Many people who are deciding to create their own meditation practice are challenged with the space logistics. Where can I practice in my crazy, busy house? Do I need a separate room for this? What am I supposed to put in my meditation space? Read on for 5 easy ways to create a sacred meditation niche in your 'ohm home'!
1. Find a Quiet Place Free of Distractions and Clutter
Meditation doesn’t have to occur high atop a mountain in solitude. It can happen in a quiet corner of your bedroom or even in your closet! Find a place that is free from distractions and relatively quiet. Soft lighting is optimal. A room with a dimmer switch is helpful. Also, think minimalist and clear the space of any clutter so that it is all about you and your practice.
2. Get Comfortable
The big question: Can I lie down when I meditate? Traditionally, meditation is done in seated position with a straight spine to allow for the energy to flow freely from the seat to the crown. For many people with ailing hips and knees, this can be challenging. Purchasing a meditation cushion, or zafu, is tremendously helpful. If this is not in your budget, roll up a firm blanket or stack a few towels under the edge of your booty and make your hips happy! You can also sit on a chair if you like. If you truly can’t get comfortable in a seated position and lying down is your only option, go ahead and do so, but try to keep from falling asleep.
3. Light a Candle
I love using candles in my own meditation practice and with my clients. Purchase a good quality clean burning candle, such as one that is soy-based, beeswax, or vegetable wax based. MAME Soy Candles, a company based here in Phoenix, has hand poured, hand blended and luxury soy candles made from 100% soy wax. Premium oils allow them to burn longer and cleaner than most candles. They are personally produced in small batches to ensure the best quality handmade soy product.
If you are particular with your smells, there is a local store in Scottsdale Quarter, called Candle Chemistry. You will be given a notepad and be able to smell dozens of aromas and note the ones you like. Then your own unique blend will be poured into your own soy candle to enjoy.
Candle chemistry also has new home kits so that you can create your own custom candles in the comfort of your own home now!
4. Make it Personal
Surround your space with a few things that are special to you. I collect rocks that I write words of intention on. I keep these close and hold one when I meditate. You can also have a special picture of a loved one or something that inspires you nearby.
5. Music or Silence
This is a personal choice. When listening to a guided relaxation or visualization, there is often ambient music that accompanies these recordings that is highly soothing and relaxing. When meditating, many purists believe that silence is best. My personal recommendation is to listen to ambient music when wanting to relax and unwind, but to turn off the music in favor of silence when meditating. The sounds of nature can be highly soothing when meditating. In my meditation space there is a sliding door, and I often open it up and allow myself to listen to the sounds of nature as I meditate.
Creating a sacred, meditation space doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to devote an entire room, but just a small area that you dedicate just for this purpose. Look forward to your daily practice, whether it is in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Or all 3! Setting the space is the first step. As Kevin Costner said in Field of Dreams, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ So create your space with love & intention and make it happen!
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-Susan Ginsberg, Stop and Breathe