CREATE A ‘MEDITATION STATION’
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 other crafts.
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.
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.