Japanese zen gardens can help people relax while creating a sense of balance and tranquility.

One of my favorite chores at home is sweeping the back porch. Years ago, my husband said that I exhibit a zen-like vibe when sweeping.

I think both sweeping and raking can be soothing. Case in point: Japanese zen gardens, which include gravel or sand, facilitate a meditative experience when raking it into different patterns.

Miniature zen garden kits — complete with white sand and a small rake — can be purchased for your office or coffee table. I used to have one on my desk and enjoyed raking the sand into swirling patterns.

The purpose of Japanese zen gardens, whether big or small, is to provide peace, serenity and balance — the polar opposite of gas-powered leaf blowers.

I detest leaf blowers. And this time of year, the piercingly loud and obnoxious sound often wakes me from my slumber.

I question the value of leaf blowers — all they do is displace the leaves from one place to another. The guy who operates one at the clinic across the street from my house merely blows the leaves off the property and into the street.

I read an abstract on the National Institute of Health website about the impact of gas-powered leaf blowers. The study, “Characteristics of Lawn and Garden Equipment Sound,” revealed that the noise emitted from leaf blowers can impact the operator and those who are regularly in close proximity. In addition, it said the low-frequency sound waves can travel even greater distances, which raises concerns regarding adverse health impacts on the wider community.

So, I encourage people to grab a broom or rake and practice meditative sweeping or raking. At the very least, you won’t annoy your neighbor with the buzzing sound of a leaf blower.