A meditation space is, ideally, a personal retreat where you can find serenity and regain a sense of balance and equilibrium. Modern lifestyles encourage activity, involvement and commitment, too often leading to stress and anxiety. The need to refresh and unwind from the rigors of daily existence is deemed increasingly important for both mental and physical well being. Meditation, or some form on controlled contemplation, has been shown to reduce blood pressure, affect mental activity, and may even reduce specific disease symptoms. If you are intrigued with the idea of creating a meditation room in your new home, look to nature for inspiration. You might even want to move outdoors to seek harmony; a secluded pocket garden where you can sit quietly can be as beneficial as a dedicated indoor space.
Room for Contemplation
If you can set aside a room for contemplation, though, no matter how small it may be, you’ll want to make it a “perfectly personal” space. Color is an important consideration. It is known that certain colors expand space; some colors can also calm the mind while others stimulate brain function. Certain colors are calming, while others trigger other emotional responses. Red and orange, for instance, are considered stimulating and provocative. Generally, light colors are perceived as more tranquil than dark tones, but that is a personal reaction. If darker surroundings make you feel secure and you find chocolate brown or forest green nurturing and comfortable, there is no good reason your personal meditation space should not have dark walls. The same is true of light or dark woods. Your preference rules, but materials that hint of the outdoors are friendlier somehow.
The most popular hues for meditation rooms are derived from nature. Soft pastels that are reminiscent of cloudy skies, swirling water, shimmering sand, early sunrise or fading sunset are the most popular. If you pick from lavender, pale blue or aqua, light green, or the vast spectrum of soft, creamy colors, you will tap into the serene side of the palette. You should probably stay away from so-called energizing tones, even if they are hues like soft peach, pink, plum or sunny yellow.
Meditation Room Inspiration
Because there are many paths to peace, there are also numerous ways to establish a personal space that speaks to your inner self. In general, meditation rooms have several common elements:
- Soothing colors
- Natural materials, perhaps a green or flowering plant
- Lack of clutter and distraction
- Quiet, or a background of soothing sounds
- Sensory inspirations: candles, incense, aromatic oils, simple images of nature
- A focal point or object that “speaks” to your sensibilities, whether smooth stones or statuary, crystals or chimes
While many people associate meditation with Eastern religions, it’s not necessary to embrace those traditions in order to benefit from an at-home meditation room. Zen spaces and minimalist surroundings simply feel more tranquil. The purpose is to “clear your mind” so that you can refocus your energy. You will want to remove yourself from both audio and visual distractions, so that you can touch your inner feelings.
If you cannot allocate an entire room for your meditation space, try to carve a corner from another quiet and appealing room. It might be your bedroom or your  master bath at a specific time of day. Wherever you spread your yoga mat, even if it’s an outside deck or a clear spot of floor in the den, can serve as a personal meditation and restoration space with a bit of ingenuity. Use a folding screen or visually separate the space with a low bench or a small table. Include a portable music player, a decorative scented candle and a green plant; then shoo the rest of the family away while you practice your personal mindfulness routines.
The Best Time to Meditate?
There is no precise formula for obtaining maximum benefit from meditation. There is no need to follow a recipe, even though the practice is now considered a science. You might benefit from early-morning “alone time” to breathe deeply, restore a sense of balance, think deeply about your own awareness, regain a feeling of mastery over your life and your emotions, and prepare to face the day. On the other hand, it might be of benefit to retreat to your private space to regain that same sense of balance after being “out in the world” all day.
Whether you put your thoughts on hold early or late, whether you find it energizing or restorative, whether you combine “mind rest” with physical exercise — however you use your personal meditation space — is totally your decision.
Some people view meditation as a prelude to a nap; if so, you might want to include a comfortable futon or even a lounge chair in your meditation room. Meditation and mindfulness exercises are spiritual readings, self-help courses and personal growth, classical music and art are all acceptable preludes or finishes to a time of thoughfulness and meditation.
Because meditation rooms are so popular today, ask your friends about their individual practices. You may find some wonderful ideas that you can integrate with your own to create the perfect space.
2 Point Highlight
Because there are many paths to peace, there are also numerous ways to establish your own space that speaks to your inner self.
If you cannot allocate an entire room for your meditation space, try to carve a corner from another quiet and appealing room.
