This quiet garden is intended as a place where we can stop, look, listen. We can breathe more easily. We can pause and take time for ourselves, to feel grounded to the earth, to remember our connection to it, and our connection to others. If you would like a moment of guided reflection, feel free to follow the suggestions below…
Try to allow what surrounds you now – the sights, sounds, smells – to absorb your attention.
Explore the present moment. Notice your breathing and how it feels in your body. Let it fall into a more natural, calmer rhythm as you sit still. Keep your feet on the ground and notice how it anchors, supports you.
Look around – what can you see?
Listen – what can you hear?
Sniff – what can you smell?
Touch – the bench, a leaf, a stone – what can you hold and study, what can you pay closer attention to?
Take a few moments to do nothing at all. The Dutch have a word for it – niksen – we’re encouraged to spend a little time each day letting the mind wander, staring out the window, sitting on a park bench, or simply relaxing without any specific purpose.
As you go on your way, try to take the experience of this green space into your day, and let it bring you a moment of peace.
Family Fun
Activity
Sometimes if your brain is busy and the world around you is full of noise, it’s helpful to spend just a few moments being calm and quiet somewhere in nature.
Enter the quiet garden.
What can you see?
What can you touch with your fingers?
Sit down on a bench or stand with your feet on the ground. Close your eyes.
What can you smell?
What can you hear?
Take a deep breath in, counting to 4. Hold your breath for 4 counts. Let it out slowly, counting to 4 again. Repeat this a few times.
Do you feel different afterwards?
Discover the stories woven into the green heart of our community. As you wander around the church yard, explore the history, nature and shared memories with friends and family.