Bombarded with the inhospitable nature of a concrete jungle, I have taken to visiting green space at least once a week. I call this my nature day. It helps revive my senses, rejuvenate my soul and revitalize my resolve to handle life.
When I travel, gardens are on my list of must-see places along with museums, bakeries/chocolateries and the usual plethora of touristy sites. A previous Wellness Wednesday post discussed the benefits of taking a few moments out of one’s day to just be. And to do so in green space is even better.
Nature is restorative and there have existed many healing gardens worldwide since ancient times. Plants, particularly aromatic ones, have been used for food, medicine and spiritual purposes by such civilizations as The Egyptians, Greeks and Babylonians, to name just a few. One of the most famous gardens in ancient history is the mythical Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
From the Garden Island of Kauai in Hawaii to beautiful and spiritual Bali, gardens offer a healing respite from the stresses of travel i.e. jet lag, rushing around, culture shock etc. Sometimes gardens are destinations in themselves.
Kew Gardens, UK
National Geographic’s list of Top 10 Gardens
Check out local guide publications for the following types of gardens:
scented gardens for the blind; specialty gardens i.e. culinary herbs, medicinal plants and aromatherapy plants; meditative gardens (e.g. a Japanese Zen Garden); rose gardens
Gardens, be they large or small, famous or secret, are a great place to get recharged. Whilst on your travels, stop and take the time to smell the roses or any other fragrant flowers you find along the way.
Wellington, New Zealand
Photo by Kimberley (c)2007
Categories: Health, Travel, Wellness, Wellness Wednesday
Weal World Travel 