c. The Entrance: Choose your path into this outdoor room. Your entrance is a place of transition. It provides the mind with the realization that you are entering into a different space-and in the case of a sanctuary, not only different, but sacred. The entrance can be a gate or an archway, or a corridor lined with flowers or shrubs, or simply a threshold. Your entrance should convey the experience of leaving one place or space and entering another.

d. A Focal Point: This could be as elaborate as a labyrinth, pond, fountain or sculpture, or as simple as a bird bath, a chunk of rose quartz or an assortment of plants in a large pot. Your focal point should facilitate reflection.

e. A Walkway: "For many people movement is an essential part of spiritual work, and creating a pathway-even one that doesn't go very far in actual footage-may enrich a spiritual garden by suggesting the path that is spiritual growth," suggests Peg Streep.

f. Seating: As seasons change you may want a new view, so take this into consideration when choosing seating. Wooden chairs or benches can be moved around more easily than stone.

Be Mindful Of Elements

Since a sanctuary is a place to tend to heart and soul, its elements should bring delight with ease and engage all of our senses. Clutter adds stress, so keep your space meaningful and simple. When an element no longer has significance, respectfully remove it. Be mindful and treat each element with the reverence that an invited guest deserves.

a. Guests: Who do you desire to invite to your sanctuary? Birds, butterflies, toads, frogs? I personally have an affection for hummingbirds and the choice of nectar-producing flowers in my garden reflects it. I have their bloom times covered so there will be food from early spring through fall. If you aren't consistent with your feeding they will seek nectar elsewhere, so a well-maintained feeder can keep you covered. Coincidently, many varieties of butterflies have similar tastes. So if you invite hummingbirds, butterflies will likely be an added bonus. A natural stone border will provide a home for toads, as will a whimsical ceramic 'toad home.' And a pond is an open invitation to frogs.

b. Colors: Don't be concerned with what others might think; do what feels good, as this is your sanctuary after all. Colors are telling-those you are drawn to will give you information about how you are feeling and/or how you desire to feel. Gay Search has an entire chapter devoted to color and color therapy in her book The Healing Garden.

c. Consider Bloom Time: Some annuals bloom all summer, while perennials have a more designated bloom period. Have all your seasons covered for your sanctuary pleasure and that of your visitors. Be sure to check bloom times when purchasing plants.

d. Trees: Trees offer shade and a nesting place for birds. They also add dimension and texture to a sanctuary. They can even provide a focal point.

e. Fragrances And Tastes: Deliberately bring fragrance into your sanctuary. There are of course the floral scents-lavender is a soothing scent for a sanctuary garden, as are roses-but herbs such as mint are aromatic and come in many varieties, most of them edible. Peppermint adds flavor to cold summer beverages and can be tossed into salads. Placing mint in pots will contain it since mint is invasive. Lemon Balm is in the mint family, is less invasive and is one of my favorites. The refreshing scent of Lemon Balm makes for a calming tea or a restorative bath.

Tips For Bringing The Essence Of Your Sanctuary Indoors

a. Bring the restorative essence of your sanctuary indoors with fresh or dried bath-suitable herbs and flowers.

b. Let it uplift your spirit in little bouquets sprinkled throughout your living space.

c. Allow it to tantalize your olfactory and taste buds in healthy dishes.

The layout and elements of a garden sanctuary engage our senses and make up its harmony. Remember, don't let yourself get overwhelmed; creating a sanctuary is a journey. It is an opportunity to come to know yourself and nature. Your sanctuary will evolve as you do, one step at a time. The McDowells remind us in their book, The Sanctuary Garden, "Don't worry about your low budget or lack of space or the need to ration out your precious free time. Those thoughts are the too familiar symptoms of the disease of adulthood." When one walks into a garden sanctuary, all perception changes. That is the point. Worries, duties, and obligations are left outside the gate as we open ourselves to receive the mysteries of wonder, magic, enchantment and delight that abound in nature. Dreams, inspiration, insights and renewal thrive in a sanctuary. Pray and hear the answers to your prayers come through the elements of your personalized stillness.

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Trish Whynot, D.C.Ed. is a holistic counselor, Doctor of C.O.R.E. Education and visionary writer. She utilizes meditation and crystals in her alternative approach to eliminating the root cause of problems. She experiences life as an amazing journey, and educates those who desire to live in truth, love and beauty. Private appointments are available via phone or in person at her Middleton, MA office. Call 978.314.4545 or visit www.TrishWhynot.com for information.

All information in this newsletter is based on the opinion and experience of the practitioner. It is the responsibility of the reader to only take what makes sense to them. This information is not meant to be used as a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or cure of an illness.