Soulful Sanctuaries by Janaki Sandy Gaal

#SoulfulSanctuaries #NetGalley

232 pages

Health, Mind & Body-Home & Garden-Religion & Spirituality

Four stars ****

Pub date: 15 September 2026

Post first published on 10 July 2026

My thoughts:

This is a special book that will appeal to those who cultivate their gardens whether real (ideally), spiritual or, in imagination, from an armchair. While I often visit my local (and gorgeous) botanical garden, I have no garden of my own…and yet, I very much enjoyed this book. I feel that I can take away some of the practices and use them when I visit any garden.

This book offers many things as the author notes that a garden is a reflection of a gardener’s inner journey. Readers learn quite a bit about the author’s own personal story, garden and spiritual practices in these pages.

Here are quotes, recipes, meditations, reflections, advice on gardening, life lessons and more. And…do NOT forget the beautiful photos.

This book would make a wonderful gift for the thoughtful gardener.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Book Collective for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Description:

from the publisher

Soulful Sanctuaries explores a meditative, mindful approach to the garden, guiding readers on a spiritual journey of reflection, practical wisdom, and inspiring stories.

How can a garden become a place of peace and reflection? How can you create an outdoor space that feels meaningful and restorative? Janaki Sandy Gaal explores these questions with her unique blend of thoughtful reflection, commentary, and practical advice. From simple meditative practices to the guiding principles of organic gardening, Janaki’s experience in all aspects of gardening shines through.

Viewing gardening as both a meditation practice and a metaphor for life, readers are invited on a journey to cultivate their own inner and outer sanctuaries, bringing new depth to the time-honored art of tending the land. Taking a non-denominational approach to spirituality, Janaki also explores such subjects as mantra, yoga, and even how to build an altar in your garden. The result is a deeply personal exploration where spirituality and the natural world come together in the creation of beautiful, soulful spaces.

Featuring photos from Rebecca Gaal, this richly produced book will hold a place of honor in any collection. Whether it’s examples from Janaki’s own intriguing life story, inspiring quotes, or even some fun recipes to try­, readers will find inspiration for creating beautiful sanctuaries that nurture peace, reflection, and connection to the natural world.

From the Publisher:

COMBINES SPIRITUALITY AND GARDENING IN A UNIQUE BLEND

How can a garden become a place of peace and reflection? How can you create an outdoor space that feels meaningful and restorative?

FEATURES ORGANIC GARDENING METHODS

Tricks of the trade for successful organic gardening for a happy, healthy home that works to benefit the environment.

MEDITATION AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICES IN EVERY CHAPTER

The meditative practice of gardening is combined with commentary on gardening as a metaphor for life to add new depth to a popular hobby.

YEAR-ROUND GARDENING EXPLORATION

Think gardening is just for spring? Think again! Summer and winter offer their own unique experiences, while autumn is just as busy as spring with harvesting and fall planting! This book covers it all.