Meditation is one of the best mental exercises to train your attention and awareness. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t entail pushing aside emotions, but rather focusing on them in an objective and peaceful manner.
Meditation allows the human mind to better understand the things that are happening inside and around it, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. In order to meditate, you don’t need to pack a bag and head to a holy place. You can create your own meditation zone right at home by doing the following:
Choose a Comfortable Rug or Mat
Meditation comes easier when you’re comfortable. That’s why buying the right rug or mat is one of the most important things to do properly when setting up a home meditation area. Make sure it’s not abrasive to the skin. Although meditating doesn’t really involve a lot of movement, being stationary on a rough surface can still cause irritation. Choose one that has the right firmness and texture, and if you wish, couple it with a cushion.
Opt for Lighting that Sets the Mood
Lighting does wonders to the atmosphere of a room. For meditation zones, it’s best to avoid harsh, bright light as they tend to hinder you from reaching a deep meditative state. You can soften natural light with curtains or opt for adjustable overhead lighting fixtures. These will allow you to set the brightness down to as low as you want. There are also a number of special meditation lights that quickly transform a room, and come in a variety of designs and colors. But if you’re on a budget, surrounding yourself with several tea candles will give the same effect.
Incorporate Aroma
Some people find it useful to incorporate aroma in their meditation areas. Scented candles, incense, and essential oils can help you get in the right state of mind and embed its effects more into your consciousness. The best scent for creating a spiritual atmosphere is definitely Nag Champa. Little is known about where it comes from, but what we do know is covered in this article on Nag Champa origins. Fragrance also elevates the exercise to become a multi-sensory experience, making it more immersive and more effective.
Consider Privacy
It’s normal to feel vulnerable while meditating because the exercise is meant to get you to inspect yourself in the purest form. To do this effectively, you’d have to be willing to admit to all the good and bad residing within you. This is the core of meditation and is the reason it’s vital for you to feel secure during the whole process. Place your meditation area in a private part of your house which isn’t frequented by other occupants and guests. It’s also recommended that the space be enclosed so no one can interrupt you in the middle of a session.
Go Easy on the Decorations
Your meditation space should be devoid of distractions. You’d want it to work with you as you try to clear your mind and focus, which means you should decorate the area in a way that does not overstimulate your brain. Stick to simple colors and minimize placing figurines and other decorations. Additionally, go for a space that does not have a lot of complicated structures, and be sure to keep everything neat and tidy.
Make the Space Sacred
Making a space sacred doesn’t necessarily mean filling it with religious symbols and statues. Rather, the goal is to respect the meditation area for its intended purpose. Even when you’re not meditating, maintain your zone to standard and have everyone who steps into your home do the same. Associate the space with stillness and peace of mind, and do only the things that evoke those qualities in the space.
Personalize Your Meditation Area
Not everyone has the same meditation style. Some are fond of guided meditations, while others are content with going about the process on their own. Design your meditation zone depending on what makes the exercise easier for you. This could mean setting up a stereo, customizing wallpapers, and displaying items that aid in getting you to transition to a quiet, focused mindset.
Consider an Outdoor Meditation Zone
When the weather’s nice enough to meditate outside, you can take advantage of it by having an additional outdoor meditation zone. This way, you’ll get natural light and fresh air as you relax your mind. This is good because meditation is largely affected by proper breathing, which the fresh air helps by facilitating optimal oxygen intake.
Meditation has many health benefits including stress release and controlling anxiety. To have the perfect meditation zone, it’s not necessary that you spend a lot. All you need is to get in touch with your preferences and know what elements work for you.
