It’s Not Just A Terrarium:They’re Tiny Compartmentalization Ecosystems
How a simple hobby taught me ways to properly engineer the system our brains do nearly automatically. If we’re going to compartmentalize a bad day, the loss of someone, or whatever other catastrophic event may come our way – put it in a terrarium!
I was first introduced to the art of terrarium making nearly a
decade ago, during a time when I was exploring various ways to manage my
mental setbacks and seeking a holistic approach to improve my mind,
body, and spirit. At this early point in my journey, I had already
started collecting plants. I believe that if you can help a plant
survive, then you can do the same for yourself. Caring for plants
requires many of the same principles we need to thrive: plenty of water,
the right amount of light, an appropriate rest cycle, and strong roots.
I took this to the extreme, as I often do, and at one point, I had somehow collected over a hundred plants. I'm happy to report that I managed to keep most of them alive, and some of them are still with me today.
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
There is something about moss that I just love, starting with the way it smells of damp earth. After many failed attempts at making a terrarium, I finally figured it out—at least enough to keep one alive longer than a month. As I sorted through all the information I had devoured during my hyper-fixation, I started to recognize several key themes: even if you follow the steps perfectly, there is no guarantee it will stay pristine or alive. Not all plants or moss will grow in a closed environment, and the process of building a terrarium can be highly beneficial for our overall mental well-being.
Besides the joy and life they bring into our homes, plants offer numerous benefits to our physical and mental health. They have been clinically and scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve air quality, and emit phytoncides that enhance our immune systems. Working with plants has also been shown to boost cognitive function, concentration, and memory retention.
"What we see depends mainly on what we look for."
— John Lubbock
Once I understood how to build a proper terrarium, what to avoid, and the psychological benefits they provide, I was hooked. Much like my plant obsession, I made a lot of terrariums, everyone got one that year. My mom’s terrarium is still going strong after all these years, and I still wish I knew where I foraged that moss from. You'll find that some mosses do better than others, and never, ever use moss growing in sunlight—it nearly instantly dies in a closed container.
As my hyper-fixation came to an end, I realized I had
compartmentalized a year's worth of experiences and life events into
these tiny little worlds. I understood that not everyone would find the
same solace that I did. Some people might roll their eyes and say, “It’s
just a terrarium,” and that's okay! At first glance, that’s all you
might see—moss and plants in a jar. But when you really see it and
wonder about it, you start thinking of the mechanics behind it, the
sounds of the woods, a small babbling creek, and the scent of damp earth
in the air.
To some, it will always be just a terrarium. To others, it’s an escape
into nature or a tool to compartmentalize thoughts and emotions. That's
what makes these tiny ecosystems so great—they mean something different
to everyone and we may all gain a little more insight into ourselves.
If you want to learn more about some of the research:
**https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/leisure/health-benefits-indoor-plants
**https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9224521/
**https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200102184829.htm
If you're needing a bit more info on building a successful terrarium:
**https://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-to-make-a-terrarium-2/
**https://newengland.com/living/gardening/terrarium-instructions/
**https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-get-a-terrarium-started-in-easy-steps-4863423