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Blog writer Daniela Silva-Rodriguez Bonazzi provides the following from India By Sathishkumar S and Beela G.K.
Sathish is an Indian Horticultural Therapist with expertise in enhancing the well-being of individuals and people with special needs. He has done research on the plant meditation technique which he describes in this blog.
In India, Beela G. K., a specialist in human development, was a pioneer in the practice of Horticultural Therapy. She also serves as an international instructor with the Art of Living organization and was the first to introduce the plant meditation technique.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Horticultural Therapy (HT) is an interdisciplinary approach to human development that integrates principles from social and behavioral sciences with horticulture and environmental engagement (Beela & Raghunath, 2010). As a restorative intervention with minimal to no adverse side effects, HT has been shown to enhance memory, concentration, a sense of responsibility, and social connectivity. Furthermore, it contributes to stress reduction, promotes relaxation and emotional calm, boosts self-esteem, and cultivates a sense of achievement. According to Haller and Capra (2017), HT provides meaningful and constructive experiences through interaction with the natural growing environment, involving both participants and therapists. As noted by Soderback et al. (2004), “Horticulture therapy mediates emotional, cognitive, and sensory-motor function improvement, increased social participation, and health, well-being, and life satisfaction.”
Fostering Inner Strength
Meditation is widely recognized for its benefits in promoting overall health and managing stress-related conditions. Within the context of horticultural therapy, the plant meditation technique is a unique technique that encourages individuals to connect with nature through visualization, fostering a sense of inner strength and self-awareness (Sathishkumar & Beela, 2023). As a complementary therapy, meditation engages both the body and mind, offering numerous benefits such as mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical relaxation. It promotes a deep sense of tranquility, helping to alleviate stress and enhance well-being. By focusing attention on calming elements—such as nature or breath—meditation supports emotional regulation and cultivates a peaceful, centered state of mind. Regular practice can significantly enhance one’s ability to maintain calmness and mental clarity in everyday life.
Daily Life Stress
In today’s fast-paced world, stress affects individuals across all age groups, although it is often more prevalent among younger populations. While each young adult experiences stress differently, certain common stressors tend to impact this age group more significantly. It is natural to feel stressed when faced with challenging situations, and in many cases, individuals are able to manage these pressures effectively—sometimes even emerging stronger. However, when stress becomes overwhelming or prolonged, it can negatively affect both mental and physical health. Stress arises from a variety of sources, including personal concerns, physical health issues, and external life circumstances, all of which can influence an individual’s well-being. Although stress manifests uniquely in each person, it often impacts the mind, body, and behavior in interconnected ways. Alarmingly, prolonged stress and feelings of hopelessness can contribute to suicidal ideation in many adults.
Our recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of the plant meditation technique in alleviating stress levels. Being in environments enriched with plants can significantly improve mood and emotional well-being, as the vibrant colors and natural beauty of leaves and blooms are not only visually appealing but also psychologically soothing and restorative.
Role of plants and meditation in HT practice
Trees symbolize remarkable resilience and strength, regardless of time or circumstance. Through the plant meditation technique, individuals can connect deeply with nature, fostering a sense of unity with the trees and surrounding greenery. Guided meditation, led by a horticultural therapist trained in mindfulness practices, helps participants embody the strength and stability of trees. Many individuals experience stress because their minds dwell on the past or worry about the future, rather than being grounded in the present moment. The plant meditation technique serves as a powerful tool to anchor awareness in the here and now, cultivating a sense of presence and connection with the natural world. As participants focus on their breath—holding and releasing it mindfully—they often release negative thoughts and experience emotional relief.
Visualization
Visualization is a therapeutic technique that involves creating mental imagery to enhance focus and promote relaxation. By engaging this method, individuals can enter a heightened state of awareness, transcending everyday thoughts and stimulating the brain’s creative cortex. Through imaginative visualization, it is possible to evoke positive emotional states such as joy and tranquillity.
Visualizing a tree as an extension of one’s own body establishes a psychosomatic connection, aligning mental and physical states. This practice supports the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and strengthens the connection between the brain and body, contributing to overall emotional and physiological balance.
Plant Meditation Method
The plant meditation method is a unique form of horticultural therapy in which individuals are able to meditate and benefit from the power of trees and plants.
Plant meditation offers individualized guidance through a series of phases designed to meet each client’s needs. This guidance helps develop environmental connection, body awareness, focused thought, emotional acknowledgment, a feeling of harmony with trees, and so on. The progress of the guidance is adjusted based on individual conditions and limitations.
Benefits of the plant meditation method include:
- Enhanced creativity: by relating to the therapist’s guidance, you will integrate with nature and anticipate with greater imagination and creativity.
- Induced relaxation: By lowering cortisol levels, plant meditation helps to maintain mental balance and relaxation.
- Increased focus: Plant meditation increases focus and modifies negative emotions and thoughts.
- Minimized stress: It gradually lessens stress and helps us forget the things that affect it.
- Promoting interaction with nature: Plant meditation will improve sensory stimulation and foster an active relationship with nature.
Conclusion
Life begins and ends with the breath. By focusing on breathing and connecting with the inner self through the healing power of nature, the plant meditation method offers a therapeutic and calming experience. This practice helps individuals cultivate inner strength and release negative thoughts. The wisdom and stability symbolized by the tree provide a grounding and enriching experience, promoting emotional well-being and fostering a more positive mindset.
References
Haller, R. L., & Capra, C. L. (Eds.). (2016). Horticultural therapy methods: Connecting people and plants in health care, human services, and therapeutic programs. CRC Press
Sathishkumar, S., & Beela, G. K. (2023). Plant meditation as part of horticultural therapy reduces stress levels in adults. International Journal of Science and Research, 12, 195–199.
Söderback, I., Söderström, M., & Schälander, E. (2004). Horticultural therapy: The ‘healing garden’ and gardening in rehabilitation measures at Danderyd Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic, Sweden. Pediatric Rehabilitation, 7
