I've seen how much the environment intensifies the consequences of cognitive impairment and exacerbates behavioural problems, or helps in the positive scaffolding of cognitive disorders and related emotional distress.
Green spaces and healing gardens have revealed objective and measurable improvements in well-being.
I have a little 'Zen Corner' that was aimed around that element.
I planted a 'Bee and Butterfly Garden' with various critter attracting plants, scents and colours for it's multi-sensory enrichment and aliveness
Indoors, I've tried a few green patches
The Art, Memory and Life garden [1,2,3] a healing garden guided by a neuropsychological approach contributes to improving cognitive, behavioural and psychological disorders, providing cognitive rehabilitation and psycho-social enrichment.
The healing garden includes various sensory elements such as varied scents, colours, textures, and sounds which helps fight against sensory deprivation and the garden, plants, and sculptures facilitate the evocation of autobiographical memories and the pleasure of sharing stories, and reminiscing. It helps provide a sense of harmony and sensory modulation.
"The design was complemented by incorporating an artistic vision together with established design elements, the existing architecture (including pre-existing 4 squared areas of equal size) and a variety of sculptures around the theme of the four elements assigned to each respective square: Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind"
The Art, Memory and Life garden [3]
I've particularly found the local Japanese gardens to be places of healing. Their aesthetic, multi-sensory stimulation and incorporation of diverse elements provides a good healing place for the mind.
Such gardens inspired me to write this: In the Japanese Gardens two souls roam
In each other's presence we compassionately are home
Peaceful loving kind resonance of Heart
Nature's beauty permeates, mirrored by soulful art
Blue dragonflies guide transformation of mind
As slowly we unwind
The 12 Zodiacs come to focus, Dragon and Rabbit are us
Spirited away from the hustle and bustle of life with no fuss
We contemplate the Zen garden, seeing a Divine World in grains of sand upon the land
Sit for awhile by the Heavenly Water Lily Pond, trickling water instills a sense of the impermanence of being human
The still peaceful waters become a solace of quiet reflection
In the moment we are connected
To Nature, Self, Each Other and Perfection
The mind of painful torment clears with a gentle healing resurrection
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