A meditation space at home could help deepen your practice and appreciation of the benefits meditation can bring. There’s just something about having your own sacred space that makes the art and practice of meditation all the more inviting (and hopefully, effective).
Whether you’re just getting into the practice of mindfulness or deem yourself an old hand, here’s a simple guide to setting up the perfect meditation area in the comfort and familiarity of your home.
First Things First: What Is Meditation?
Before you can go about perfecting your own sacred space, it’s good to review what meditation actually is, and how it can potentially benefit you. The art and practice of meditation may mean different things to different people. Generally speaking, meditation is a mental exercise that seeks to cultivate an elevated and transformed mind, one with a calmer and more positive attitude.1
There are many different ways to meditate. Today, there are even online tutorials and apps that can help you with guided meditations and simple mindfulness techniques.
What Are The Potential Benefits Of Meditation?
Research into the effects of meditation on the mind showed an intriguing slowing down of the many mental processes simultaneously occurring in your ever-busy brain.2 This may support quite a few benefits (over time). When you meditate consistently, the habit may help support:
- Mental focus
- Mood
- Creativity and problem-solving abilities
- Increased empathy and ability to connect with others
- A sense of positive emotional well-being and mental alertness3
Why Create Your Own Meditation Space At Home?
While meditation is truly about entering a specific and intentional mental space, there’s something to be said about making sure your physical space makes it easier to do so. Here are some potential pros to having your own easily accessible area to meditate.
- Being able to meditate at a special spot right at home might help make it easier to integrate meditation into your daily routine. This could help make the habit stick.
- You won’t have to fully rely on expensive classes or paid apps to aid and support your meditation habit.
- You are able to create a specific space free of distractions, making it easier to focus. This may help you reach your desired meditative state much easier and more quickly.
What Do You Need To Make Your Own Meditation Space?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creating a relaxing meditation space at home. The goal is to make a space that feels uniquely your own, one that can simultaneously calm and inspire you enough to meditate. Your preferences might vary, but here are some good rules of thumb to follow.
Find Your Spot, Then Free The Space Of Clutter And Distractions
Be intentional with the space you plan to use. Find an area that you feel has good energy, but one away from the noisy TV or other ambient sounds of heavily-trafficked parts of the house. If you’re a serious believer in it, you may consider consulting a feng shui expert for help choosing the best space for you to achieve your meditation goals.
Whether you’re using an empty room in your house or just a hidden corner, experts recommend removing any visual and physical clutter that might distract you from getting in the zone.4
Consider The Lighting
Natural light is good (even ideal), but working with what makes you feel best is most conducive to meditation — even if it means dim light. Consider hanging sheer curtains to diffuse any harsh light, or use strategically-situated candles to help set the mood.5
Bring In Nature
Natural elements may help make your meditation space more balanced and harmonious.6 Try putting a small water feature or pretty plant in your space. Use it as a focal point for your meditation exercises.
Get Comfortable
It’s hard to relax when you’re physically uncomfortable. Fill your space with a special meditation cushion, or even just some comfortable throw pillows or even a chair you can lean on for support while you meditate.
Make It Your Own
Your space, your rules. Be discerning with what items you bring in, as these will all contribute to your meditation experience. If you’re so inclined, beads, crystals, and a singing bowl might help with balancing energies.7
Even if you don’t equate your meditation with any spiritual sense, you can decorate your space with what soothes your senses and inspires you, like a diffuser with your favorite essential oils or a piece of intriguing art.
Bonus Tip: Have a journal and pen handy in case you feel inspired to scribble some thoughts and musings as you come out of your meditation. You could even keep a sketchpad and some art materials nearby if you’re more inclined to sketch or draw.
It’s All In The Mind
The perfect meditation space should allow you to decompress, focus, and hit your stride meditation-wise much easier than anywhere else. It should be your sanctuary — a happy place away from the hustle and bustle of daily life (and its many stressors).
The power of your space is what you make of it, so make sure you are intentional with how you create the area. From the visual and sensory representation of nature elements to the consideration of your physical comfort and emotional well-being, be extra discerning with every single facet of your home meditation space.
These tips are a good place to start, but the success of your space depends on what you put into it — beyond your choice of chairs and candles.
Learn More:
Sources
1. https://thebuddhistcentre.com/text/what-meditation
2. https://buffer.com/resources/how-meditation-affects-your-brain
3. https://buffer.com/resources/how-meditation-affects-your-brain
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/margauxlushing/2018/11/30/the-secrets-to-a-diy-meditation-space-according-to-the-experts/#720ba7f11048
5. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2018/create-meditation-space.html
6. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2018/create-meditation-space.html
7. https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/homeowner-tips/how-to-create-a-meditation-space-in-your-home
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