Creating a Meditation Space at Home

Over the last couple of years, we’ve all had to lean into a new normal and restructure the way we live our lives. For many of us, this has meant figuring out how to organize more of our time around the home.With businesses and schools permanently adopting the virtual work from home or hybrid models ushered in by the pandemic, the idea of our homes as a happy place has never been more salient.

We teamed up with our friends The Nopo and some of their artisans to create a beautiful meditation space. The entire eco-friendly collection can be shopped here.

One useful tool that has helped me reduce the stress of daily life at home has been meditation, highlighting how connected our inner and outer worlds really are. Many of my clients and friends have expressed a desire to cultivate their own practice, but they aren’t always sure where to start. Creating a designated meditation space at home is always my answer. Whether you’re a novice or pro, having a space for reflection at home only helps develop the consistency needed to fully reap the rewards of this calming practice. The following tips are sure to help you create the perfect meditation space and find a little Zen at home (and within).

Choosing a Space

You don’t need a large space for a meditation practice, but you’ll want to ensure it’s one free from the to-do lists and chaos of life. Choose a space that affords some privacy and peace, so that every time you inhabit this space – whether it be a room, nook, or even a closet – it will support your ability to slow down, get quiet with your thoughts, and simply breathe.

Creating Ambiance

The meditation space you create should feel like a warm hug, setting a peaceful and quiet tone and promoting your ability to focus your attention and get present. The following considerations can help create those calming vibes. 

Color – Of course, the color palette you choose is an important consideration. Scientific studies have yielded useful information about the way colors influence our mood, and vibrant tones can be over stimulating. So, steering clear of bold colors is a good place to start. Instead,consider blues, greens, light purples, and soft pinks, as these have been shownto have soothing effects. No matter what hue you choose, take some time toexperiment with color — make your space personal and discover what trulyworks for you.

Lighting – Instead of direct overhead lights inyour meditation space, consider diffused indirect lighting from a lamp orsconce, for a softer ambiance. Candles are another great option, as they canadd a spirit of ceremony to your practice.

The Other Senses - When creating the perfect space, don’t forget your other senses! Light your favorite incense or turn on an essential oil diffuser to awaken your sense of smell. Incorporate soft textures that are soothing to touch when choosing a seat or floor cushion. A proper meditation seat will provide comfort and support your posture and prevent any napping that may inevitably occur if you lie down. If sitting in silence isn’t your thing, remember that you can also incorporate soft music, chanting, or natural sounds to heighten your connection or shift the energy in the room. 

Setting up an Altar – An altar is the perfect way to really personalize your meditation space, providing a place to display personal and symbolic objects of importance, like shells, crystals, stones, feathers, and meaningful tokens – any items that hold spiritual significance for you. An alter can be a small table, a chest or simply a windowsill, but the objects you choose to display should lift your spirits and promote your sense of connection.