A meditation space is an area set aside for the purpose of meditation. Meditation may be used musically, as with chanting or singing, visually, such as with mandalas or sacred objects, or mentally, through reflection or concentration. Typically a meditation space will be devoid of any distractions and designed to facilitate relaxation. While everyone has their own preference, there are some tips that can help you design your meditation space at home.
1. Relaxing Scents
The fragrance is an important part of any meditation space, as it can influence moods. Relaxing scents that are said to work well for meditating include lavender and sandalwood.
If you don’t like those scents, there are other options available to you. Mint has a cooling effect on the senses, while citrus smells can clear away any feelings of mental fatigue. There are plenty of ways to incorporate the fragrance of your choice into your meditation space, and the people behind balneaves.scot realize the importance of having eco-friendly wax melts that are available in many different scents. Since those don’t use direct heat, you can truly relax in your meditation space, with the added benefit of having a beautiful scent waft through your home.
You want the fragrance to provide a relaxing effect, but it’s also important that the scent isn’t too engaging, since most forms of meditation focus on clearing the mind.
2. Soft Lighting
A meditation space should be dimly lit, but not pitch black. This will help you to relax and relieve stress during your meditation session. You can use soft lighting that remains on during the whole session, or you can use lighting that turns on and off by way of a timer.
But again, it all comes down to what makes you feel comfortable. If you feel that the meditation type that you prefer is best reserved for nighttime, then don’t be afraid to meditate with the lights off. If you think it’s better during the day, use soft lighting, or even natural lighting from a nearby window.
Even simply installing a dimmer switch can enhance the ambiance of a space, so don’t worry about having to make a big investment.
3. Colors Of Calm
As with anything else, colors also influence the mood. That’s why meditation spaces are often bathed in light blues and greens, which can be calming to the senses. The tones of colors have an effect on our emotions despite their hue or shade, so consider what color you feel the most relaxed in.
If you’re interested in adding this aspect to your meditation space, there are some cool ways that you can work it into the design. Consider painting one wall of your room in a pale blue or green color, and make sure to use matte paint so that it doesn’t reflect too much light. You can also get some pretty cool wallpapers that are available in calming colors, which is a nice way to add some personality without sacrificing the design.
You can also experiment with different fabrics, like silk or linen. These materials are soft and soothing on the skin, while also being comfortable to sit upon for extended periods of time.
4. Focal Point
Every meditation space needs something to focus your eyes on, whether it’s an abstract piece or some other interesting artifact of the culture in which you live. Even if you don’t like looking at art while you meditate, having something for your eyes to look at can help to relax them.
There are some cheap ways to achieve this, like by painting the wall with high-gloss paint or hanging up a piece of fabric that has been treated with shimmering paint. If you’re looking for something more elaborate, consider creating an eye-catching focal point with beads, crystals, and other similar materials. If you do the latter, it will also add a personal touch to your meditation space, so it’s a win-win.
In addition to helping your eyes relax, a focal point can also serve as a motivational tool when you begin to lose focus.
5. Comfort Is Key
The best meditation spaces are ones that you’ll stick with, and in order to do that, they need to be comfortable. This doesn’t mean that the room has to look like your living room or bedroom, but you should feel at ease when you sit down to meditate.
For instance, if your favorite type of meditation is yoga Nidra, then you might want a flat surface to lie down upon. If meditation for you means sitting in the lotus position, then make sure that there’s enough space for your legs to stretch out without bumping into anything. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it, either. If you’re a person who needs a raised pillow beneath your neck in order to relax, then do whatever you can to make that happen!
You might have to work around the layout of the room or even bring furniture into the mix, but it will definitely be worth it in the end. Soft pillowy surfaces are a must!
6. Plants
Study after study has shown how beneficial plants can be for one’s health and well-being, and it just so happens that they’re great for meditation too. Meditation spaces with plants not only look better as a whole but also help remove toxins from the air.
The best part is, you don’t have to go out and get fancy plants if you can’t keep them alive. In fact, there are some really cool air-purifying plants that aren’t too difficult to take care of! If you feel like going the extra mile, consider using a plant that not only produces oxygen but also requires very little sunlight.
On the other end of the spectrum, you could opt for adding some greenery to your meditation space without actually bringing any plants into the mix. There are all kinds of wallpapers and decals with green leaves on them, so why not buy one of those?
Meditation spaces don’t have to be room-sized, and they certainly don’t need to feel like a completely separate area from the rest of your house. A corner in your bedroom is just as good! What matters most is that the space feels comfortable for you and that it adds something positive to your life. That’s what meditation is all about after all: finding peace and contentment!
