Free Online Discussion Essay Example

I agree with you on both points that you make. I do think that healing gardens in a working environment could stimulate productivity and activity, especially to those that are open to receiving, or made aware of, the positive energies that a healing garden generates. That is to say, for those people that are not open to the idea, there is likely not much that they will see and feel in a healing garden. I recall once having a talk with friends that had travelled to Japan and said that had the opportunity to stay at a Buddhist temple. There room opened onto a garden that was mainly composed of small pebbles surrounding small islands/plots of bushes. A monk was raking the pebbles especially around the plots to form lines and circles. When they asked why the monk was doing this, they were told that it creates symmetry and balance in the garden between the rocks, plants, and dirt. That balance was believed to allow someone sitting in the garden to tap into its energy force. According to the monks, just sitting in garden in quiet meditation had the power to calm and quiet the mind, as well as dispel stress, so that the monks or visitors can focus more on their work or other productive activities.
I also agree with you point that the idea of the healing gardens can be incorporated into the courtyards of buildings and houses. I once visited a friend’s townhouse. From the outside it seemed like a normal one-story building. Upon entering the front door, however, which was more like a gate, the formed a U-shape of basically a small courtyard of about 10 feet wide and 20 feet long. surrounded by the house on three sides. Each room on the house had a window facing into the courtyard. Moreover, other than the bedrooms, which were all connected, one had to go across the courtyard to get to the kitchen, or living room. The feeling of the place was indescribably peaceful and serene. That is to say, by entering the gate, you were still outside, but not the outside that had cars, and people and traffic which was separated and blocked off by the gate, but nevertheless you were still outside. So it wasn’t like once you are home you are cut-off from nature but rather nature was integrated into your living space, even though the house was located in the middle of the city.