Creating a Meditation Space

I have shared with you all how I started a meditation practice before Christmas (read about that here), learning Transcendental Meditation (TM). Well, I can honestly say that I am LOVING it. And … I’m realizing the importance of creating a meditation space, to facilitate and foster the practice. If you have made a conscious choice to meditate, then the next step is to take action and create a physical space. If you have chosen to meditate at home, then you will need a space where the magic will happen.

I’m “in between spaces” right now. Currently, I have 5 adults, 4 children, 2 dogs and 4 bunnies sharing my home (and loving it if I’m totally honest since it’s family). But let’s be realistic, I’m disappearing into our bedroom twice a day for my 20 minute TM, with Klaus barking at me from his crate, Dave barging in because he still forgets I’m doing it, and the squeals of children playing in the back yard overtaking the silence.

We all try to sabotage ourselves and talk ourselves out of things by making excuses as to why we should not do something. However, once you commit to making meditation part of your life, there will be no more excuses. I am especially loving my meditations with so much “activity” (aka chaos) in my house right now, but it would be so easy to say “it’s too hard”, “there are too many people around”, “I’ll do it when everyone leaves”. I’m really committed to my practice, however, so I’m doing this for now and planning how to create my meditation room next month.

Creating a Meditation Room

Pick a room in the house and declare that space to be your new meditation space. Speak with your family members if you have family living with you. Explain to them that by sacrificing this space once or twice a week, they are helping you to achieve the goal of calmness and peace.

If your family knows that you will benefit and that they will benefit by the transformation in you as well, they should be more than happy to accommodate you. And if you have a husband like mine who forgets you are starting a meditation practice, make sure there is a lock on your door. Yup, I’m serious, I lock our bedroom door when I’m meditating.

Creating a Meditation Space

If the option of having a room all to yourself does not work, do not let that deter you. Choose a space in a room that is designated for your meditation practice. Your own bedroom could work wonders. Just make sure you have a chair or comfy spot that is your meditation spot. I found for me that sitting up in bed in the early hours didn’t feel quite right. I needed a designated spot that I don’t use for anything else. In the next couple of months we’re renovating our garage, which is already a granny flat, into a better home office/work space for us – and that will also be my meditation space once it’s done.

Things You Will Need

Regardless of whether or not your space is an entire room or a small space in the corner of your bedroom, you can create the space you need for perfect meditation. For this, you will need:

•  A space that is void of distraction
• A space that feels like you
• A place where you can be comfortable
• A comfortable floor mat, cushion or chair
•  Amenities that are conducive to relaxation

Choose a space that has minimal distraction, preferably where no phone exists. Decorate your space so that it defines you in a positive light. If your favorite color is blue, then a blue yoga mat or comfy blue pillow will be great additions. If you love to travel for leisure, put up some pictures of favorite places that you have been.

Make sure you are at your most comfortable in your space. A thick, cushy floor cushion and a fluffy pillow behind your back are ideal ways to start your meditation practice. If your floor mat is not comfortable, you will not be either.

Once you have designed the space or room based on the theory of relaxation, you will notice how you run there to practice the art of meditation. It will be so inviting, you will not be able to wait. I know I already look forward to my 20 minutes twice a day – it’s my time, and even if it takes a bit of effort to arrange things to fit – to me it is so worth it.