Sensory Fun with Sand Gardens

Ryoan Ji Zen Garden in Kyoto, Japan
Photo: Steven D'Alu

Japanese Rock Gardens, (also Called Dry Landscape or "Zen" Gardens) are one of the world's first forms of art and have been in existence since about 784 AD. They can be found around many shrines, temples, and palaces in Japan and in the US. Each garden and the elements within that garden have a unique symbolism.
White gravel is a special feature of Japanese gardens and is used to symbolize purity, emptiness, distance and water. Rocks, moss, pruned trees and bushes, are placed in the gravel to create a miniature landscape that imitates nature rather than replicates it. The gravel (or sand) is then raked to represent ripples in the water.

These gardens were intended to be plain and to serve as an aid to help find clarity & to meditate about the true meaning of life. In modern times, miniature tabletop versions of these gardens can be found in a variety of outlets and are designed to temporarily slow down our pace, reduce stress, encourage focus, initiate an internal contemplative mood or encourage play & imagination. The great thing about these is that you don't need alot of space for them. In fact, you can make one very simply with a few items found around the home, or easily obtained. It can be stored on a desk, a bookshelf or in a drawer.

Kids of all ages love these, as it adds an extra element of sensory play and body-brain integration that helps to improve concentration, adjust to transitions and self-calming. When I made the sample in the video below, my daughter found it and claimed it. As I was getting ready to film the video, I observed her play with it on the couch (thaqt is away from her cell phone and with the TV off) for almost 40 minutes-unprompted and uninterrupted. She kept saying to me,  "Mom, this thing is so relaxing!" She did not want to give it up when I was ready to make the video-so she offered to help me with it if I would let her keep the finished item. (Of course I let her keep it!)

This version of the "Sand Garden" (or Sensory Garden)  uses natural elements for the center, (rocks, shelss, etc.)however if kids want to place small animal figures or other personal items in the sand instead I don't see a problem with that. If they are calm and engaged then it has served its purpose. What's even better is that these Sand Gardens are portable and spill-proof if you have the right container. View the video below for the easy instructions.

Have fun!







Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com





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