How you can create a simple meditation space at home.

If you've decided to start a regular meditation practice you're going to want a space at home that is free from clutter, promotes calmness and is your personal sanctuary for wellness. There are many things you can consider when creating your space including making it a place that's ascetically pleasing but also light, natural and a space that radiates peaceful vibes. What is the intention for your meditation space? Let the answer guide you on crafting your authentic place to practice.

Let's Sit

If you're going to use a traditional meditation cushion you might like to look at getting a Zabuton and Zafu from Stretch Now in Surrey Hills, Melbourne or online from a stockist somewhere in the world near you. Look for high quality, organic cotton, and make sure they have a zipper for easy removal to wash the cover. Other options for sitting are a chair, stool or meditation bench. If you're going for a bench I recommend Black Dragon Seats; I have one and they are great for daily practice and also portable to take on retreat for longer sits. Black Dragon Seats are carefully crafted in Australia with sustainable materials by a lovely couple and have won design awards they are so good!

If any part of your body is tired and sore or goes to sleep and you get pins and needles whilst meditating you might like to prop it up with more cushions or blankets. After some time sitting in meditation there will be aches and pains I can guarantee so having a few extra cushions, bolsters and a blanket handy is a good idea. Especially during the cooler Winter months. I like to have a scarf that I drape over my shoulders and one of teachers showed me how to tie it around your waist to support your hands in a pouch. It helps take the pressure of your shoulders with your arms hanging loosely.

Cue Meditation

Make your space visible by having it somewhere that you will be reminded daily to sit and practice.

It's no good tucking it away in some secret corner of the house and forgetting about it. The best practice spaces are integrated into the daily life and function of the home. Always inviting you to slow down and take the time and space for practice and self-care.

Meditation Tools

All you need for meditation is yourself, your breath and a space to just be but your meditation experience might be enhanced by having some tools. A Tibetan singing bowl or Tingsha are used in Tibetan meditation to awaken through their vibration and sound and help prepare one for meditation practice through ritual sound bath. Some people like to add candles, salt lamps, crystals, art, imagery, music and mala beads. I have purchased the rose mala bead from Quiet Mind Meditation.

If your children are using the space you might like to include mind jars. If it's your personal space add anything that helps you reconnect with yourself. This might even include photos of loved ones passed that remind you of your ancestry and where you came from or meaningful trinkets from past travel that spark joy and fond memories that are meaningful. An incense or oil burner and your favourite scent or essential oil can also add a sensory experience of smell to associate with your practice.

Natural Elements

Adding some plants to your space can really make it feel ambient and peaceful. There's lot of research around human wellbeing and nature so bring the outside in or alternatively consider making a meditation space outside too. A few pot plants dotted around your meditation space can be great especially if the cooler months mean you're indoors meditating. Succulents are easy to look after- don't require much water if you're not a green thumb, hanging plants or plant walls look dreamy and there is also a range of plants listed in this article that help clean and filter the air.

Now you're ready to meditate and designing an intentional spot in the home means there is more chance you will continue to enjoy it.

Happy Meditating,

x Marion