7 Inspiring Ideas to Help Create Your Ideal Meditation Space

Meditation, as a practice, has been used throughout the centuries as a way to still the mind and soothe the soul.  Many of us today have busy lives, and the act of doing consumes our time from the moment our feet hit the floor in the morning until we lay back down at bedtime.  Amidst the busyness, finding moments of stillness can be challenging unless we make a deliberate effort to carve out time for ourselves.

Research has shown the benefits of meditation, such as stress, pain, depression, and anxiety reduction (Behan, 2020).   If the benefits of this practice are numerous, why aren’t more people participating?  Barriers to meditation have been documented as restlessness, doubt, fatigue, and experiencing negative emotions such as anger (Hunt et al., 2020).  Also, self-doubt has been documented as a barrier because people do not believe they can develop and stick with a new habit (Hunt et al., 2020).

One empowering way to help develop this helpful habit is to create or find a space that allows the mind and body to relax and be present in the moment.  Whether it is a cozy corner in your bedroom or family room or a serene spot in nature, finding the place that speaks to you will encourage you to seek solitude daily, even if it is for just a few minutes. 

Here are 7 Inspiring Ideas to Help You Find Your Ideal Meditation Space:

1. Cozy Corner: Create a warm and inviting corner in your home with soft and cozy blankets, a velvety meditation cushion, and pillows.  To make it more secluded, you can even drape a piece of fabric overhead to feel more secure and safe as you allow your mind to settle and recite your favorite mantra.

2. Nature’s Retreat: Find or create a mini-retreat outdoors where you can connect with the beauty of nature.  Nature is proven to boost mood (Nisbet, Zelenski, & Grandpierre, 2019) and can support the mediation experience.  So head to a park, your backyard, or other natural environment and let the sights and sounds of nature infuse your senses and bring you to the present moment. 

3. Spiritual Oasis: For those who connect with spiritual or religious practices, design a space that reflects your beliefs. This could include an altar with meaningful items such as candles, incense, sacred texts or passages, or religious symbols. The presence of these items can enhance your meditation by connecting you with your spiritual path.

4. Window Sanctuary: If getting outdoors is difficult or the weather is inclement, choose a window with a view. Natural light and a glimpse of the sky or trees can bring a sense of peace. Ensure you have a comfortable cushion or chair, and perhaps a small table with a plant or candle to create a calming atmosphere.

5. Zen Den: A Zen-inspired space elicits a sense of tranquility and calmness.  To create this type of space try incorporating elements such as a bamboo plant, stones, and/or a mini water fountain.  The sound of moving water can root you in the present moment helping to remove the unwanted mind chatter.

6. Minimalist Meditation: Simplicity is extremely effective and calming for many.  Selecting an area that is free from clutter and choosing a single item such as a religious symbol or crystal can help focus your attention and elevate the meditation practice.

7. Meditation to Go: If you travel extensively or find yourself on the go most days, consider taking items with you that can help you continue your meditation practice wherever you may be.  Items such as a small crystal, essential oil, and a meditation cushion can be packed daily in the work bag or suitcase for the extended trip.  Knowing that your special items are with you acts as security and a reminder that this practice is here, waiting for you when you are ready.

By finding or creating a space that resonates with you, meditation can become a daily retreat, offering a moment of peace and clarity amidst the busyness of life.

References:

Behan C. (2020). The benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices during times of crisis such as COVID-19. Irish journal of psychological medicine, 37(4), 256–258. https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2020.38

Hunt, C. A., Hoffman, M. A., Mohr, J. J., & Williams, A. L. (2020). Assessing Perceived Barriers to Meditation: the Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory-Revised (DMPI-R). Mindfulness, 11(5), 1139–1149.

Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Grandpierre, Z. (2019). Mindfulness in nature enhances connectedness and mood. Ecopsychology, 11(2), 81-91.