The pandemic taught us that life can change overnight. We could lose our jobs in a blink of an eye, rendering us financially unstable and incapable of sustaining our lives. Since that was the case for a lot of people around the world during the pandemic, it’s easy to think that the same may happen to us, too, even if we’ve been blessed to retain our income sources.
That said, it’s important for us to be mindful; to pause our hustles for a few minutes every day, and just appreciate being here, alive, healthy, and making a living. Mindfulness shifts our focus to nature and our sensations. It allows us to reconnect with ourselves and detach from the things that stress us out.
Meditation and other meditative activities put us in a state of mindfulness. When we meditate, we must be free of distractions, such as technology, people, and work-related paraphernalia. We can do it at home, but only if the space itself isn’t a distraction. If having a dedicated meditation room isn’t possible, here are some ways to make your small home a meditative space:
1. Incorporate Meditation in Your Daily Activities
One common misconception about meditation is that the practitioner must be seated with their legs crossed, eyes closed, and palms facing up. But in truth, only some types of meditation require such a position. Anyone can in fact meditate even as they clean the house or wash the dishes.
If you can’t perform an Asana or seated meditation, simply incorporate mindfulness in your daily activities or chores. You can also try “thinking meditation”, in which you reflect on topics like impermanence. You can do your quiet reflection while performing a relaxing activity like taking a shower or listening to music.
By learning that meditation is possible even without sitting still, it’ll be easier to squeeze it into your daily routine.
2. Choose a Space With the Least Traffic
If you prefer the Asana meditation, the place you should choose for the activity is the one with the least traffic. That can’t be the kitchen, because your family gathers there unless you live alone.
Still, even if you live alone, a high-traffic area may still be bad a meditation space. High-traffic areas tend to be surrounded by distractions like appliances, electronics, and external noise. So consider if your bedroom will make a more ideal space.
3. Decorate Your Meditation Room
Wherever you choose to meditate, decorate it with calming objects and colors. First off, ensure that the color palette of the space evokes relaxation. Relaxing hues are often on the neutral or minimalist side, such as white, beige, tan, and gray. Natural elements are a must as well, such as sunlight and plants.
If a moody lighting relaxes you more, filter in the sunlight using beautiful custom Roman shades. The texture of the shades adds more dimension to the room, and its appearance creates a Zen atmosphere.
Add some furniture pieces as well; even if you can meditate on your bed, it might be better to have furniture pieces specifically for meditation. That would be a soft rug, a cushion or a Samadhi cushion, scented candles or LED candles, and decorative light fixtures like a Himalayan salt lamp. These adornments will set the mood and make you instantly ready to center yourself.
4. Consider Meditation Tools
When you’re ready to take your meditation to the next level, consider using meditation tools to deepen your mindfulness further. The following are the essentials:
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Meditation Cushion
A meditation cushion is different from a regular, generic cushion. Its filling is made of sustainable materials like buckwheat, recycled foam, or air (for inflatable types). It also comes in different shapes to contour the shape of your body.
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Tibetan Singing Bowl
This meditation bowl can relieve your body pain, stress, and anxiety. It comes with a wooden stick called a puja, which you run along the bowl’s rim to make a sound.
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Meditation Balls
These are a specific type of stress ball called Baoding balls. You can also use it while doing any other activity.
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Tibetan Bells
The Tibetan Bells keep a certain rhythm to make your meditation more relaxing and mindful.
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Mala Beads
Mala beads help you maintain focus and make you feel lighter. They’re also useful in yoga, which is another mindful activity.
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Crystals
Healing crystals that emit a calming energy are essential in your practice as well. Just place them around you as you meditate, along with the other accessories, and your Asana will have greater effects.
Meditating is an effective, holistic way to boost your mental and physical health. You don’t have to be in a dedicated meditation space to try it. Once you include it in your daily routine, wherever you are, you’ll feel more inspired, healed, and in control.
