Creating Magical Paths

You are walking along a pathway filled with filtered sunlight, vivid colors of the rainbow and wonderful scents. You open onto a gorgeous landscape and are filled with wonder and awe of the natural world. You just experienced one of the best possible pathways in your dream world.

In our dreams it is no secret that paths symbolize our life's journey. Perhaps it represents the current path you are on. Are you on the right path or did you veer off?

In waking life, paths still evoke that sense of wonder and mystery. Who among us has not wanted to walk down an intriguing new path to see where it leads? A path that may show itself among a passing garden or public space? Secret paths bring out the inner child and a sense of exploration.

So when you are creating your landscape, why not create a few paths that bring a sense of mystery, wonder and playfulness to your space!

In feng shui, paths are considered conductors of chi. As a waterway allows chi to flow, so does a path.

Here are a few tips to create your own magical paths:

♦ Create an entrance that beckons. An archway or gate is a wonderful way to "enter" the path. It creates a separation from what is "out there" and what is "in here."

♦ Use material underfoot that will slow down the pace of the walker. Single pieces of stone spaced apart helps bring mindfulness to each step. Pebbles and wood chips add sound to each step, reminding the walker of their pace, and to slow down.

♦ Create a meandering path that allows the walker to take their time. These paths also do not show the ultimate destination, reinforcing that life is about the journey rather than the destination.

♦ Use yin and yang when creating your path: not to narrow or too wide; plantings that are too bushy can easily encroach on the walker; a balance of large and small plants, of color variations, and pleasant scents.

♦ End your path with something to enjoy, be it a sculpture, statue or bench. Or it could be an expansive view. Or perhaps it's a circular path that brings you back to where you started.

And most of all, enjoy your path! It is yours to experience and share with others!

Photo credit: Finesse Landscaping