Zen in the Garden: Finding Peace and Healing Through Nature

by Tracy J. Thomas

A simple, inspirational book that encourages the practice of mindfulness while in nature to help you achieve personal growth and spiritual healing. This transformational guide encourages spiritual awareness and helps the reader to open their eyes to the beauty in their surroundings.

Do you desire a quiet moment in this noisy world? If you answered yes, then this inspirational book based on Zen philosophy will help you to practice mindfulness and promote a sense of peace, healing, and happiness even if you have never practiced Buddhism.

Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, we all need time to be quiet and clear our minds from the noise pollution of this fast-paced world in which we live. There are days when peace seems unattainable and stress rules every second of our days. The accumulation of stress has negative consequences on our body, mind and spirit.

“Zen in the Garden” will help you to slow down and begin to see those beautiful little moments in your surrounding environment. You don’t need to go off on some long journey to find your guru in a remote cave in the Andes in order to experience personal growth. You can find the source right outside your front door in your own garden.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening, Self Help, Spirituality, Buddhism, Nature, Environment

56 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2015

About the author

Tracy J Thomas is an award-winning photographer, artist, author, and educator. Her work has been published in multiple international mainstream media sources and displayed in galleries and private collections around the world. She holds her M.F.A. In Photography from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco and her M.A. From the University of San Francisco.

She was a contributing writer to the 2012 Seal Press anthology Dancing at the Shame Prom: Sharing the Stories That Kept Us Small. Her current book Zen in the Garden: Finding Peace and Healing Through Nature is the first of several non-fiction works to be released this year.

In 2013 she was honored to serve on the faculty of the San Miguel Writer's Conference in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where she presented a workshop on social media for authors. She was also a member of the speaker's panel "Women Write Their Lives" along with several other notable authors including Samantha Dunn, Laura Davis, Suzanne Braun Levine, Sarah Stonich, Amy Ferris, Brooke Warner, Hollye Dexter, and Brooke Axtell.

Website: Tracy J Thomas
Blog: A Thousand Words
Facebook: Tracy J Thomas, Author
Amazon Author Page: Tracy J Thomas

Reviews

[Catherine Stickann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy J Thomas has written a thought provoking book, " Zen in the Garden" that combines human life with the rest of nature. It is a piece that needs to be read and experienced. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a way to make sense of how they work with nature.

Thomas thinks much the way I have all my life. I hope others will enjoy this book as much as I do.

I do not know the author. I won this book through Goodreads first reads give away.

[Peter Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, meant to be read slowly, savored over time.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Very Motivational Guide To Seeking Peace and Tranquility"

This book is very inspirational. When one is faced with serious or even terminal diseases, it's best not to fall into depression, but to connect with nature's beauty to find peace and comfort. Take time every day to take deep breaths, close your eyes, to help clear the mind of troublesome cobwebs. Let go of the past, don't worry about the future, stay in the present and be comfortable. This guide gives you the skills right within your own backyard where you can create paradise by planting and enjoying flowers to find comforting thoughts. The author has definitely presented a work of art in her lovely writings and photos. She has found peace and serenity and we are very fortunate to have her share her path with us. A wonderful inspirational read. A book to always keep handy. It can change your life for the better.

[Monica Ganz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded this book on a whim but it was exactly what I was looking for. It is beautifully written and takes you through a journey of peace and healing. What I liked the most about this is that I found it to be really calming and motivating at the same time. The author does a great job of explaining so many different concepts perfectly. My favorite part is a section called "remember to breathe." It's helped me so much and has often been the best way to always find peace in any situation. Really grateful that I decided to download this.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through Goodreads giveaway:
Well it wasn't what I thought and I don't really have anything to say about this book but I can say the pictures are beautiful and some of the quotes under them were really good. * I have sense passed this book on to a therapy office so others may benefit*

[Madge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful meditative book which makes for a lovely and continuing read. The photos are stunning. Loved this book online and would love a real copy.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous little uplifting book on how to find calm and peace in nature. Love anything that can help find deeper meaning in life and got through this In half an hour :)

[Pauline Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this! Gave me some inspiration!