Japanese Gardens, bridges and life transitions

I recently read an article on Japanese Gardens and bridges. I happen to love the serenity I experience whenever I visit a Japanese Garden. And I love the metaphor of bridges...not just in the garden, but the bridges of our lives.

Garden bridges, and plants appropriately placed are equivalent to life transitions…they take us from here to there. Bridges in the garden and in life can sometimes be smooth, other times a bit rough about the edges. In almost all cases, they get us where we are going.

In the garden…take a look at the areas of transition that are present. Do you need something to help soften the way from one area to another? It need not be a bridge as plants, garden furniture, bird feeders, ponds and pieces of garden art can also serve the same purpose. One of the items I like to use is wind chimes. They can touch your life and garden on many levels.

While taking stock of your garden, take a peak at the transitions and lessons you have been presented in your lifetime. You can probably identify a multitude of them. I like to think of them as gifts and honor them as such.

If you are going through your own personal transition/lesson right now, is there anything you can do to soften the edges? I often like to surround myself with candles and indoor chimes. Like in the garden…they can help lighten the path.

Namaste,

Rainy