Fresh air is good for the body, soul, and mind. We spend so much time shelled up indoors, breathing the same, stagnant air beneath unnatural fluorescent lights that it’s absolutely essential to go outside and reconnect with our natural selves.

There are so many reasons why you should consider spending some time revamping your outdoor living area. Here’s just a few:

♦ Vitamin D from the sun is good for our health

♦ Meditating to the sound of birds or smell of flowers promotes mental well-being

♦ Outdoor barbeques and meals beneath the stars make great ways to entertain friends and bond with family

We’ve talked about the parable of the backyard and how your tree of life needs to be pruned, not killed. Today we go one step further by teaching you how you can transform your backyard into your own personal oasis.

1. Lay the foundation

Literally! Before you can do anything else, you’ll want to clean up the area so it’s free of dead brush and debris. While you can always hire a landscaping service to expedite this process, there’s so much to be said about truly digging your hands in the dirt and churning the metaphorical soil of your life. The end result will be much more rewarding — and much cheaper, too.

Once a space is cleared, you have the choice of which material to use for laying the foundation. Concrete epoxy is a great choice because it’s inexpensive, easy to install, durable, and resistant to weather. You can stain the concrete to the color of your choice, whether you prefer an earthy burnt sienna to ground you or an electric yellow that shines as bright as the sun.

If you prefer a softer substance, sand is another great alternative. You can meditate in your Zen rock garden, raking the sand back and forth as you calm the chaotic chatter of the mind, but beware: sand is notorious for allowing roots to pop through and you might find yourself in need of tree removal soon.

2. Set your surroundings

Next, envision the type of backyard paradise you’d like to see yourself in. Would you like to sip your morning tea in an abundant English garden, breathing in the floral aroma and watching the butterflies float on by in your peaceful ambiance? Maybe your life if centered on your social circle, so you’d like a lively space to host communal potlucks and community jam sessions. Or perhaps you need a wide open space to play with the kids outside, rolling and running around while you make memories that will last a life time.

Whatever your end goal is, think of the items that you can place in your outdoor surroundings that can help you achieve the aesthetic you’re after. Some ideas you might want to consider for patio accessories include:

♦ Tiki torches

♦ Bird bath

♦ Butterfly feeder

♦ Lawn décor

♦ BBQ

♦ Stepping stones

♦ Centerpieces

♦ Wood palette wall

♦ Garden trellzis

Ultimately, the choice is entirely yours— only you can decide what your definition of oasis looks like. Maybe that’s a lively and colorful array of Chinese lanterns for all of your outdoor festivities, or perhaps you’d rather splurge on installing a koi pond and waterfall to listen to the tranquil sound of flowing water. There is no wrong answer; go with whatever feels right in your heart.

3. Create comfort

Finally, if you want to spend plenty of time outside soaking up all that your new space has to offer, you’re going to need to add a few elements that will ensure you and your guests are nice and cozy. Here are some popular suggestions:

♦ Benches

♦ Chairs

♦ Couches

♦ Chaise lounges

♦ Ground pillows

♦ Space rug

♦ Coffee table

♦ Dining table

♦ Picnic table

♦ String lights

♦ Solar lights

♦ Citronella candles

♦ Insect repellent

♦ Umbrella

♦ Canopy

Keep your budget in mind and shop refinished furniture at swap meets, flea markets, and vintage trade shows. You’ll save money and immediately create a rustic, nostalgic aesthetic that transports everyone back to simpler times. Remember how many people you plan to accommodate in your backyard and to provide enough seating space accordingly. Maybe that means a 12-foot-long dining table or perhaps you just need a simple seat for one on the days you want to meditate on the ocean of existence.

Tap into yourself, find inspiration, and reconnect with the outdoors — you won’t regret it!

Shift Frequency © 2019 – How to Create Your Own Backyard Oasis