5 Things You Need to Create a Mindful Space Right at Home
Looking for some balance in your busy urban life? You don't need to go to a retreat to find it – create that space in your own home instead
Meditation doesn’t have to be done on a remote mountaintop, overlooking a pink and orange sunrise. Neither does it have to be done in the middle of a bamboo forest. With the right elements, mindfulness and meditation can be practised just as effectively in the comfort of your own home. Here are five things you can do to create that sanctuary, without having to disrupt your bank balance.
2. Get the lighting and temperature right
Depending on your preference, you may want to choose an area with plenty of natural light, or a cool dark space.
If you prefer lots of sunlight, be sure to check that the temperature is comfortable enough for long sittings. It shouldn’t be too warm, so that you don’t have to keep getting up to adjust the temperature. Don’t worry if you don’t get this right the first time – it may take a few sessions before you find a temperature that works for you.
Depending on your preference, you may want to choose an area with plenty of natural light, or a cool dark space.
If you prefer lots of sunlight, be sure to check that the temperature is comfortable enough for long sittings. It shouldn’t be too warm, so that you don’t have to keep getting up to adjust the temperature. Don’t worry if you don’t get this right the first time – it may take a few sessions before you find a temperature that works for you.
Alternatively, a dark space may be more relaxing for some. If you don’t want to fiddle with candles, go for lamps that provide mood lighting – an LED bulb with about 10 watts and a warm-toned lampshade will provide an ambient glow perfect for an evening’s meditation.
A beginner’s guide to creating layers of light
A beginner’s guide to creating layers of light
3. Use organic elements
There’s something about being in nature that lets us release the tension in our body and breathe more deeply. While we don’t often have the luxury of space and time to tend to a garden, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature indoors. No major overhaul is needed – you don’t necessarily require a stone feature or timber flooring to enjoy a mindful space.
Instead, bring nature into your home with the simplest of touches, such as a beautiful maple tea tray or a few smooth pebbles.
Opt for organic shapes and clean lines – anything too complex will only visually clutter your space.
There’s something about being in nature that lets us release the tension in our body and breathe more deeply. While we don’t often have the luxury of space and time to tend to a garden, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature indoors. No major overhaul is needed – you don’t necessarily require a stone feature or timber flooring to enjoy a mindful space.
Instead, bring nature into your home with the simplest of touches, such as a beautiful maple tea tray or a few smooth pebbles.
Opt for organic shapes and clean lines – anything too complex will only visually clutter your space.
Plants work a treat too. A vase of fresh flowers lifts the mood of the room instantly. Plants also bring vibrant chi into a room, which helps you have a more refreshing meditation experience.
The house plants to grow to make you a green thumb
The house plants to grow to make you a green thumb
4. Include a mindfulness bell
Mindfulness bells, according to tradition, are sounded at the start of meditation to call one’s mind back to the present. Tibetan or Nepalese singing bowls are often used; these are crafted from bronze and a blend of other metals to create a deep, resonant ringing sound when struck.
However, any other instrument that produces similar tones can work as well. Wind chimes are perfect for this purpose – natural ones, made of sea shells or stones, add to the visually calming atmosphere.
If you’re in a pinch, virtual mindfulness bells are readily available as mobile applications, which work even when you set your smartphone to Airplane mode. An app worth trying is Mindful Mynah, available for both Android and iOS phones – it even lets you customise the sound of the bell.
Mindfulness bells, according to tradition, are sounded at the start of meditation to call one’s mind back to the present. Tibetan or Nepalese singing bowls are often used; these are crafted from bronze and a blend of other metals to create a deep, resonant ringing sound when struck.
However, any other instrument that produces similar tones can work as well. Wind chimes are perfect for this purpose – natural ones, made of sea shells or stones, add to the visually calming atmosphere.
If you’re in a pinch, virtual mindfulness bells are readily available as mobile applications, which work even when you set your smartphone to Airplane mode. An app worth trying is Mindful Mynah, available for both Android and iOS phones – it even lets you customise the sound of the bell.
5. Invoke the senses of touch, smell and taste
Being present is a sensory experience; guided meditation sessions often ask you to notice the sounds and textures of your surroundings, which we often tune out in the bustle of daily life.
Being present is a sensory experience; guided meditation sessions often ask you to notice the sounds and textures of your surroundings, which we often tune out in the bustle of daily life.
While not strictly necessary, the little touches do help your concentration – a soft cushion, for example, lets you sit comfortably for longer periods of time, while a throw can cover your lap if you get cold easily.
Scent can also aid mindfulness, depending on the mood you’d like to achieve. For more tranquil meditation, opt for lavender or sandalwood. If you’d prefer to be more alert, peppermint helps to focus the senses. You can use scented candles, an essential oil burner, or a reed stick diffuser.
Which diffusion method should you be using?
Which diffusion method should you be using?
For a little luxury, a cup of tea at the close of your meditation makes for a lovely ending. Sencha, lemongrass or ginger tea are good bets – they invigorate the senses and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to face the world again.
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Have your own ideas for a mindful space? Tell us in the comments!
TELL US
Have your own ideas for a mindful space? Tell us in the comments!
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You don’t need an entire room for a mindful space: often, a quiet corner is enough. It should be kept free of visual clutter – it’s tough to focus on deep breathing when unopened letters and scattered Lego blocks are clamouring for attention.
Set up a dedicated mindful corner by removing these kinds of distractions. A couple of strategically-placed storage boxes nearby can aid in a quick clearing up if you have kids who tend to make a mess in your space.
Incorporate home organisation in your daily routine
Don’t forget!
Decluttering also involves removing technological distractions. Televisions and computers should be switched off, and phones set to Airplane mode for you to enjoy your quiet time. If possible, leave your devices in another room altogether.