Nothing is more conducive to home meditation than having a dedicated space in which to practice.  The areas in our homes are often defined by the activities that are important to us. We have spaces for eating, sleeping, playing, and cooking, and perhaps other spaces for sewing, writing, reading, painting, or model train building.

We label the rooms of our homes by what we do in the – dining, living, entertaining – or the objects we use in the – beds, TVs, baths. Do we have spaces in our homes that we create to be in them?

A meditation space gives you a place in your home to dedicated silence and stillness.

 

 

Spending some time in stillness each day gives us a chance to practice paying attention to our own experience. Time is what allows us then to bring intentional awareness to our activities throughout the day. Our formal meditation sessions are the training — the workouts — that enable us to cultivate that awareness, and ultimately be more present in our own lives.

Although it indeed takes little preparation or equipment to meditate, it makes sense to have your own designated space at home, especially if you are starting and require solitude.  The main stipulation is that it be somewhere quiet, where you can remain undisturbed for a half an hour or so-a corner of a bedroom, a small studio, an insulated sunporch, even a roomy closet.  It is a plus if you have a window with natural light; otherwise, the interior lighting should not be harsh.  Consider a few small tables, a lamp with soft-lighting, candle, incense, and something to focus on like a plant or a collection of flameless candles.

Soft surfaces are also vital.  Place a plush area rug on the floor along with several large pillows or cushions for seating. If you prefer to meditate sitting upright in a chair, make sure it is comfortable and supportive. Surround yourself with meaningful objects and soothing sounds as well as inspirational photos or artwork, anything that reminds you to stay calm and focused.

Although the décor of your space should reflect simplicity, certain items may help you become more receptive to the process.

• Consider what images or objects will fit the purpose of your space. You can go for a minimalist approach to decorating your meditation area, to avoid distractions. My space has images of flowers, candles, a small water fountain, and earth-touching-buddha bowls. You might want to incorporate plants, cushions, and pillows, or unique lights. I like having a blanket and pillows to create a sense of softness. Choose something that is meaningful to you and sets this area of your home apart.
• You don’t need anything to meditate besides your body and breath. But if you use a meditation pillow and cushion, or a singing bowl, or beads in your practice, you could display them. Some people also choose to have an “altar” or a table, perhaps decorated with a scarf. It’s helpful to have a focal point to rest your attention on, like a statue, a candle, or a piece of art.

My daughter keeps her meditation cards from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Planting Seeds at the altar table. I also have affirmation cards and a chime – this is useful when I am practicing with my child. We do a few minutes of mindful breathing or mindful listening. To help her focus attention, we ring the chime and silently breathe until she can no longer hear even a trace of the sound.

• Make your space sacred. By “sacred,” I don’t mean religious or spiritual {although, you certainly could make it that if it’s part of your practice}. I mean sacred as in the opposite of mundane. It would help if you associated this area of your home with stillness, with a particular time for yourself or your family that is devoted to your practice. We only use this space for rest, yoga, meditation, or quiet time. My child knows that the decorations are not toys. The meditation space is an area of the house they can come to when she needs some quiet time alone.

Make scent a part of your ritual.

The scent, particularly essential oils(diffusers), assists relaxation while burning sage or other herbs can help to cleanse the space.

• The ritual of lighting a candle, rolling out the mat, or burning some sage becomes the signifier that you are about to sit in stillness and turn your attention inward. These small acts of preparing the space for meditation help to get your mind and body ready for the practice too.

Without succumbing to clutter, you can make the space more personal if there are items you feel will help to ground you in your practice. Crystals, a singing bowl, or mala beads help assist meditation but only add these to your space if they help you to connect inwardly.

The key is in finding a spot where you feel pleasant, calm, and inspired to focus on finding your inner peace. These are simple ways that emphasize the importance of specific things you should incorporate, and that highlights what you should keep in mind when creating your personal meditation space in your home. After all, it would be best if you concentrated on introspection, mindfulness, and meditation, not on some complex architectural solutions.

~Diadel Kimberlee