Today, I am sharing how you can create an enthralling table-top zen garden to increase the peaceful energy of your space. Can I get an "O-mmm?" Personally, I am aiming for a mindful year ahead with lots of inspiration, workshops and our upcoming trip to Japan. This year, I will be sharing DIY projects here every Wednesday. I have done this project in the past and it became popular amongst students and adults, so I thought this was the perfect time to share it. I recommend it  for professional development workshops and corporate events. 
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First off, I'd like to share a bit of history about original Zen gardens that were created outside of temples in Kyoto during the Muromachi period. Kyoto is on our list of places to visit and we will be spending 3 days there this Spring. Zen gardens are meant to capture the essence of nature while aiding in meditation practice. Traditionally, they are dry gardens consisting mostly of rocks, gravel and sand, although some feature small plants, moss and a water feature.

Are you ready to see pics of an actual UNESCO world heritage zen garden, along with what supplies you will need to create your own miniature version? ​

In preparation for an exciting, expansive and mindful 2018, I am sharing a few simple living practices that you can integrate into your day-to-day living this year! On the eve of the New Year, I find myself reflecting and evaluating on all of the successes and challenges of 2018, I bet that you are doing the same thing too.

​I hope this year will bring you success, abundance and an opportunity to meet your goals. As I am looking at what worked here on A Day in the Life, I am looking at the top 3 things that I hope to offer in 2018: DIY videos, a Shibori textile launch and more Creative Sundays with you!

I bet you have some amazing things that you want to achieve in 2018. I have a goal to grow my Travel and DIY categories. In fact, we have already planned trips to Japan and India this Spring. Also, I hope to collaborate more with various travel writers this year. In order to improve my content and meet this goal, I am planning my editorial calendar well in advance. I am participating in a content planning challenge with XOSarah! If you are a blogger, then you should check it out too, the challenge starts the week of January 8th and I can't wait.

What are some of your goals for 2018 and how do you make plans to approach them? 

2 books that are currently fueling my approach to 2018 are The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and The Universe has your Back! These are books that I have wanted to read for some time. Now, I am finally getting around to it! I always start off the New Year by cleaning up all of the the spaces around our house. Last year, we painted the living room on our days off work. This year, we are really into decluttering our space. The author, Mari Kondo lives in Tokyo, and I find her clean and modern aesthetic totally appealing. It turns out that she starts the day with a simple ritual too! 

Thanks to a recommendation from Nadja of the Designer Townhouse I discovered the book, The Universe Has Your Back, which I am loving! Although, I am only on chapter 3, this book requires a lot of mental and emotional work, so I will check in on the process to update you on my progress.

If you have already read this one, Bernstein's latest book Judgement Detox, is available now!