Outdoor Zen

There’s nothing like the sight of fresh rainwater running off your rooftop and pattering on the ground, with verdant leaves, winding pathways and a peaceful seating area creating a relaxing ambience in your garden. Thoughtfully curated outdoor spaces can profoundly refresh your spirit, serving as retreats where worries melt away.

For outdoor Zen inspiration, turn to the ancient Chinese art of feng shui. Its principles of arranging objects, spaces, plants and décor for healing and wellness are often applied to indoor environments but can be impactful outside, too. Feng shui aims to balance the opposing yet complementary chi (energy) elements of yin and yang. Balance is achieved through harmony with five elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal.

“Your surroundings have a significant impact on your well-being and influence your physical experiences,” says Chelsea Tsuchida of Revise & Refine. “This is reflected in the increasing interest and research around the psychological and physical benefits of spending time outdoors.”

One way to apply feng shui principles to your outdoor spaces is by opting for curving lines instead of sharp corners.

Tsuchida explains that for families with children at home, establishing a thoughtful “green space” offers benefits for their cognitive development and self-control behaviors. “It’s a great way to mitigate some of the effects of technology and screen time, like decreased attention spans,” she notes.

Feng shui experts note that there are many ways to incorporate feng shui principles when curating your outdoor spaces. Firstly, avoid sharp corners or points like square fences where energy can become stuck. You can also create curving lines by using features like round flowerbeds, bending fences, or stone walls, which draw the “eye” for energy to move freely around your yard. Additionally, choose natural borders and hedges instead of fabricated fencing for graceful edges, texture, and a calming aesthetic.

According to feng shui, water elements like fountains and ponds promote self-reflection, intuition, and wisdom.

Adding a fire pit to a dedicated outdoor gathering area serves as a focal point for connection and conversation.

Select plants with soft lines and pleasing shapes instead of ones with spiky or sharp leaves or spines. To balance these “wood” elements, include water features like fountains, ponds, or a birdbath. The water element “is associated with wisdom and intuition,” says Tsuchida. These features promote “a greater sense of calm, tranquility and self-reflection.”

Other tips from feng shui practitioners include investing in quality outdoor seating and arrange a special gathering area where connection and relationships can flourish. A fire or water feature can serve as a focal point for a centralized meeting place. Establishing strategic domains for various activities, like dining or children’s play, imbues purpose and intentionality in these spaces.

Outdoor feng shui inspires balance and harmony in your space, inviting positivity and energy into your home. A well-designed garden should touch all the senses and create a restful, happy place to play, gather and thrive.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.