Creating The Ideal Environment For Meditation

If only we could all have our own home yoga studio or have a comfortable place out in the country to meditate in nature.

Alas, if you’re like one of the millions who live and work in a town or city, and one of those who does not have access to a home gym or meditation space then you’ll know how important it is that you’re able to create your own, peaceful environment in the house… and really spend time with your thoughts.

So here are some things to consider when choosing your spot for meditation.

1. CONSIDER WHAT YOU LIKE

When choosing your ideal meditation spot it's important that you focus on how the space will affect your senses. Anyone who has tried meditation before will know that concentration can be an obstacle, so you want to find the least stimulating and most relaxing place for yourself.

Sight: do you find lots of sunlight annoying or refreshing? Perhaps a dimmer room makes you feel sleepy and unfocused?

Sound: is the living room presiding over a main road? Is the bedroom within earshot of a school playground?

Smell: is the cat litter in the room making an awful distracting smell? Or is the room close to the smells of your mum cooking in the kitchen?

Touch: does the room have a bit of a draft? Or is it in a room with the old gas heater that could melt your face?

Evaluate what you like and don’t like and think of the least distracting place in your space.

2. DECLUTTER

The clarity of your environment has an effect on the clarity of your mind.

Professor Joseph Ferrari, a psychology professor at DePaul University studies the causes of clutter and its impact on the emotional well-being of those living in or around it.

He says “Clutter is an overabundance of possessions that collectively create chaotic and disorderly living spaces.”

It’s impossible to meditate while your space is cluttered because you will be unable to declutter your mind. Why not add an extra ten minutes to your meditation time to factor in a quick tidy before getting into it?

3. ACCESSORISE THE ROOM

Once you've decided where you’re meditating, it's time to set the mood. Again, refer to your senses here but instead of trying to eliminate the issues, focus on enhancing your likes.

Sight: could you add a coloured light to this room if you prefer a certain colour tint?

Sound: do you have a sound that you find particularly relaxing but not distracting? Try finding records from nature on YouTube and see if that works for you.

Smell: again, go for something comforting and refreshing but not something that will make you want to sleep.

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You might not get the perfect combination straight away but with this guide we’re sure you’ll be able to find the right combination quickly.