- Explore and practice strategies for relaxation and stress reduction in a creative & engaging way
- Gain an understanding of how to appreciate culture and different perspectives on mental health and self-care
- Prior to letting students begin their journey, take a few moments to briefly explain the history and cultural significance of Zen gardens and how they relate to mental health using the linked article.
- This doesn’t need to be a history lecture! This is not meant to be an in-depth lesson into the history of Zen gardens, but instead a brief explainer so students understand where the practice came from. It is important to connect the origin of this practice in China and Japan to their practice today and encourage students to learn how to appreciate a culture and its impacts despite not being from that culture themselves.
- Now, ask students to journey through the OMM Zen Garden individually or with a partner.
- Have them start at different stations to avoid crowds.
- Give each student their Zen Garden passport to keep track of all of the places they traveled. Students are given a stamp on their passport after completing each activity.
- What places did you visit in the OMM Zen Garden? How did they make you feel?
- What tools or strategies helped you remain calm and feel at peace?
- Which strategies are you likely to try in your regular routines?
- Why is it important to acknowledge the origin of Zen gardens?
- What customs and rituals (cultural, religious, spiritual, etc.) do you and your family practice that promote mental wellness?
- What do you know about the origin of these traditions?