Most of us use our homes as ground zero for gatherings, entertainment and, in recent years, work and business. With so much action happening in the kitchen, living room and media center, sometimes you need a soothing space in your home designated for quiet time and meditation. Both provide a sense of calm, peace and balance—all of which we all need these days for well-being and overall health, says the Mayo Clinic.
OK, so we know meditation space in the home can be beneficial, but how do you go about creating it? In her latest book Detox, Nourish, Activate: Plant and Vibrational Medicine for Energy, Mood, and Love, meditation expert Adora Winquist offers a guide to setting up a meditation space at home. And to further help you make an appropriate area for relaxation, reflection and “me time,” NJ HOME asked Marina V. Umali of Marina V Design Studio in Ridgewood for design tips that’ll bring your at-home meditation to the next level.
Bring the outside in
Our connection with nature can deepen our meditative state, Winquist says, but also heighten our physical senses, such as touch and smell. “I would recommend that you grab a few plants, maybe open a window,” the author says.
Set the mood
It’s easiest to meditate when you are calm and at ease. Elements like candles and soothing music can bring you a sense of contentment and calmness. “I think any colors or furnishings that bring one peace and calmness can work,” says Umali. “I would advise against any loud colors or patterns in this area, and rather use soft tones that bring out peacefulness and serenity.”
Get organized
Decluttering your environment is one of the simplest methods to give yourself a sense of space and a fresh start. Too many objects can produce too much stimuli for effective meditation, Winquist notes, saying that they can carry conflicting memories, emotions or energies, making it difficult to reach a suitable meditational state. Umali suggests getting rid of miscellaneous objects. “Clear [the space] of unnecessary items and then organize what is necessary to keep,” she says. “Make sure that any school or work materials are out of the way so that you’re not looking at it and going over your to-do list the entire time you’re in the space.”
Come to your senses
Many people find that smell is the sense that helps them meditate effectively. “A certain smell alone can evoke a memory from our past or create a new unforgettable memory,” says Umali. She recommends using essential oil diffusers to introduce a signature scent to the space. “Diffusers are a great way to bring aromatherapy into a home and can be beneficial, whether it’s to cheer us up or bring tranquility into the home.” A scent like lavender, for instance, promotes relaxation, while orange blossom instills calmness.
Best intentions
Once you’ve created your meditative space, it’s important to emphasize what this new space will be used for. “Set an intention such as ‘I am grateful for the space that I have created for myself,’ and feel as the frequency in the room elevates to meet your goal,” Winquist says. “Now, whenever you walk into this room, you will feel the power and connection that it shares with your soul and your purpose.”