Sand Tray Therapy Zen Garden from a Graduate Student of Sand Tray Therapy Example

by Martha

Martha's Sand Tray Therapy Zen Garden

Building my first sand tray (Zen Garden)awoke the child in me. I was so engulfed in this project that I lost track of time. Working on this display also brought back many memories of previous art classes I took several years ago while completing my minor in art during my undergraduate studies. I have also enjoyed art therapy sessions in the past.

Thus, I was excited about taking sand tray therapy. The creative arts have been practiced in the therapeutic session in one form or another since early 20th century. Beholden to Jung's teachings, I embrace the creative arts as a wonderful way to express the Self (soul).

The photo of my Sand Tray Therapy Zen Garden was taken outside in my patio when the sun was barely shining--it shows a little contrast between light and shadow with the sand's ripples showing better in the shadow side of the garden.

Some of the photos and stones in this display were collected during my trips to Florida, Bermuda, Grand Cayman Island and Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, and Kauai) in the span of approximately 30 years. Thus, this garden holds nearly a lifetime of memories.

The female Tibetan Buddha placed in the center background is White Tara. She symbolizes the three great protectors: wisdom, compassion and serenity. White Tara is important to me because I strive to cultivate in myself the qualities she possesses. I thought it was fitting to have a Buddha in my Zen Garden because this type of garden is associated with the Eastern culture. I wanted to choose a female Buddha in specific because they are rare; most Buddhas are males.

Placed in the center of the display is a symbolic sand mandala. Mandalas are sacred round circles, which Jung believed represent the human soul. Sand mandalas symbolize the temporary nature of all things in life.

I hope that my Sand Tray Therapy Zen Garden reflects the appreciation I have for the sand and my respect for history, tradition, and spirituality.

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More Ideas on Play Therapy

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More Ideas on Sand Tray Therapy

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