We continue our series on Landscape for Wellness as we explore how to harness the power of nature to foster wellbeing. “[People] want to create beautiful spaces that not only encourage more time spent outside year-round—tapping the related health benefits of simply being outdoors—but include dedicated wellness elements like saunas, heated and cold plunge pools, meditation gardens, and yoga platforms, among other things,” says Allison Messner, co-founder and CEO of Yardzen, a landscape design firm out of Western USA.
There’s a reason why many people live and/or vacation on the ocean, lake or rivers, because it is therapeautic. There are studies that support the claim that water provides relaxation. Of course, it is quite obvious that it does. Remember those days when you visited the lake, all those comforting feelings and how you felt so happy? The lake can provide this on a daily basis when you actually live on the lake (or ocean or river). After a long day’s work, coming home to see the peaceful and serene visuals the lake offers instantly relaxes the homeowner. Imagine sitting on the patio and just soaking in the sun peering at peacefulness.
Not all of us can live on the water, but these same experiences can be provided by installing a water feature in the landscape. There are many options including: koi ponds, pondless waterfalls, swimming pool, reflective pool, and fountains. As James Van Sweden writes in his book, Gardening with Water, “We want all our gardens to be stimulating and relaxing, and to provide seclusion. Most of us enjoy touching and listening to water. Its sound revives me and often makes me nostalgic. I find that the sight of a dramatic water’s edge expands and connects the garden to a larger world, while intricate detail ensures that the closer I look the more interesting the scene will be”.
The most abundant resource on the planet, water can help to heal the human mind, body & spirit – both physiologically & psychologically, benefiting people with its restorative nature. In feng shui, using a water fountain helps to move energies and increase prosperity. Try placing one somewhere by your front door (either indoors or outside) to keep the good qi flowing. Water is necessary for the survival of all species but it also, through sight, touch, or feeling, holds immense healing capabilities. Healing capabilities that we have had the joy of experiencing first hand. Japanese scientist & author of the book The Healing Power Of Water Masaru Emoto claims that human consciousness affects the molecular structure of water. With our bodies being made up of over 70% water, if this is true (our belief is that it is) it quite literally means that what we are feeding ourselves mentally, can have a direct effect on our bodies.
” According to Dr Nichols (in Coho House), our moods should flit between ‘blue’ & ‘red’ mind: ‘When we are anxious, there’s uncertainty. We’re overstimulated, there’s a lot of technology, & lots of screens, but it serves as our fight or flight & can be useful when harnessed for good,’ he says. However, it can go too far & turn into ‘grey’ mind, which means burnout, breakdown, disconnection & even mild depression. ‘The goal is to move between red, which is our action mode, & blue, which is calm & restorative, & avoid the grey,’ he adds. As we practice blue mind, we’re leaving the sources of red behind – the mental, visual & auditory stimuli that distract us. ‘Blue mind is as much about what it takes away from us as what it gives us.’ “
Water is very significant with Christ believers also. Water is the living life and mentioned in many verses of the Bible.
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, Psalms 23:
Water features play a pivotal role in therapeutic landscapes, offering a multitude of psychological and physiological benefits. Their historical significance, combined with their ability to enhance mood, reduce stress, and promote physical health, makes them invaluable elements in gardens for healing. By carefully considering design, placement, and maintenance, water features can be seamlessly integrated into modern therapeutic landscapes, providing a sanctuary of peace and tranquility for all who visit. Whether in public spaces or private gardens, the gentle flow of water continues to be a timeless symbol of healing and rejuvenation.
