This is a guest post by Prudence Sinclair.
Hello, lovely YOU,
Our world is becoming increasingly frenetic and it seems like more and more distractions vie for our attention each day. I learned long ago I needed a safe, quiet space in this world to go inward and connect with my higher self and the divine realm. Only by doing this routinely can I stay sane in an insane world!!
If you’ve been trying to begin a meditation practice but are finding it difficult, it may be that you do not have the right, dedicated space for it. Now, I know not everyone has the kind of square footage where they can dedicate an entire room to their meditation practice. If you do that’s wonderful and I encourage you to claim the space and make it yours.
If you don’t have an entire room in your home to create a meditation space, that’s okay, you can perhaps turn a corner of a bedroom into that special space. Get creative here! Any cozy little nook can work beautifully.
OK, let’s get into some tips on how you can begin to create your own personal haven of peace. While I encourage you to follow these tips, remember, this is YOUR special sanctuary so let your own intuition and preferences guide you on this transformative journey.
Seek Peace and Quiet
Meditation, particularly when new to it, requires as few distractions as possible. Peace and quiet will help you center yourself and still the mind. So look for a spot that is shielded from noise and interruptions. Ideally your space would be somewhere where no foot traffic will disturb you and no one will interrupt your silence.
Now, I know some people simply cannot find a space that will be absolutely quiet, so I suggest doing your very best and using a white noise machine or noise-canceling headphones. Those can work wonders!
Declutter
Clutter is the enemy of serenity. Our minds are cluttered with intrusive thoughts all day long. Help declutter your mind by decluttering your meditation space.
Opt for clean surfaces and minimal décor. Store away anything not essential for your practice, creating a visual landscape that promotes mental clarity. Keep only items that inspire feelings of peace and focus.
Go Natural
I have tried all different kinds of lighting over the years in my meditation space and have found the most pleasant to be soft, natural light. If you can, bathe your space in the gentle glow of natural light. Let that sunlight in. If your space only has one tiny little window, you can use one or more mirrors to bounce that light around the room.
Of course, this is your space so you may want to use candlelight when you meditate or a pink Himalayan salt lamp or any kind of ambient lighting that makes you feel calm and peaceful.
Comfort is Key
I learned the literal hard way that unless your body is comfortable, you will not be able to get to the quiet center of your being. It’s up to you whether you want to meditate sitting up or laying down (though I personally recommend sitting up with a straight spine), but I encourage you to invest in a meditation cushion, chair or yoga mat to help your body be as comfy as possible.
Personalize Your Sanctuary
This is your space, so let your individuality shine through! Add meaningful objects that spark joy and serenity, like inspirational quotes, candles, fresh flowers, or a small water fountain. Personal touches create a connection and enhance the calming atmosphere.
Embrace Nature
If you have access to a porch, patio, or backyard, consider creating an outdoor meditation space. The sights and sounds of nature can be powerful tools for grounding and calming the mind. String outdoor lights for ambiance, add comfortable seating, and embrace the fresh air and birdsong.
(A reminder, this will only work if you happen to live out in the country or your neighborhood is quiet and peaceful)
Consistency is Key
Regularly using your meditation space reinforces the association between the environment and your practice. Even short, daily sessions can create a powerful anchor for inner peace.
Change is Okay
Your ideal meditation space might evolve over time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts, lighting, and décor until you find what resonates most deeply with you.
Let Go of Perfectionism
If there are two things that don’t mix, it’s meditation and perfectionism. If you’re one of those people who has to have everything just perfect when it comes to design and decorating, now is the time to let… that… go. Instead embrace the journey of creating a sanctuary that reflects your unique needs and preferences.
I very much hope 2024 brings us calm and clarity. Help the universe help you by creating a space where you can go within to transform your inner world, to transform your outer world.
Prue 🧘♀️