How to Create a Calm Personal Space for Mindfulness Meditation

How to Prepare your Space for Mindfulness Meditation | Gabriela Green

Having a space for mindfulness practices can enhance your experience.

But first, take a half-minute break and focus on your breathing. Close your eyes and concentrate on the feelings in your body as you take three deep breaths in… and then three long exhalations out.

There. You’ve just finished one of the most fundamental mindfulness exercises. It should make you a little more attentive as you read about how Johns Hopkins clinicians and researchers are incorporating mindfulness-based interventions into traditional Western medicine — and how the practice has gained a following among faculty members themselves in their quest to reduce their stress, anxiety, and burnout.

What exactly is Mindfulness?

There are numerous definitions of mindfulness, but they all share the essential principle of paying attention to your current environment without judgment. Your “reality” includes all your ideas, feelings, and body sensations. The lack of judgment means accepting your experience without classifying it as good or evil and without fighting or clinging to it.

While some people are more naturally inclined toward mindfulness than others, the mind’s tendency to wander implies that mindfulness is a learned skill that requires training and practice, particularly in this age of smartphones and multitasking. Developing a strong mindfulness habit requires time spent on planned exercises as well as the moment-to-moment practice of consciously bringing your attention to your current situation, whether you’re writing a paper, taking a shower, or feeling stressed.

The practice has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, improve focus and concentration, and increase awareness of your body’s needs. It can also be a great alternative to addictive behaviors, such as smoking and substance abuse.

It’s often easier to talk about the benefits of mindfulness than it is to practice it. But there’s a growing body of research showing that it’s a skill that can be learned and improved with practice.

Ideas for Your Space for Mindfulness

1. No Clutter and No Worry

Minimalism is essential when designing a meditation space

A messy environment is the last place you want to try to declutter your mind.

Don’t work in the same place every day since the documents and computers will serve to remind you of the tasks you need to accomplish that day.

You can start with a few simple items like a pillow, yoga mat, and a plant. Use what you need until you’re out of those necessities.

2. Incorporate a Touch of Nature into the Space

You can’t help but feel at ease when you have a plant in the room with you. The space will be more serene, and there will be more oxygen in the air due to the fan.

Great plants for a meditation area include the peace flower and the Boston fern.

In addition, because these plants are virtually indestructible, you won’t have to worry about a room full of wilted plants.

3. Select Appropriate Lighting

There’s a big contrast between a dark, dingy room and a space with many windows.

There’s a noticeable difference.

Natural light has a relaxing impact on the body since it emits less pollution. Choose a room with lots of windows if at all possible. You can even open the windows while you’re meditating.

4. Keep Technology Out of the Room

This includes televisions, computers, and all other work-related items. Having a television in a room is a perfect recipe for multitasking and distraction.

Removing these items will reduce the temptation to take a break from your meditation.

Want to reduce stress at your workplace?

I have simple practices that will help reduce daily stress at the office
(even if your office is at home)

There are several great apps on the market that can provide guided meditations.

If you’re looking for a more traditional audio meditation experience, you can check out my audio tea meditations, which will surely enhance your experience.

Conclusion

Creating the best atmosphere for mindfulness requires due diligence. If your space doesn’t inspire you to relax, you won’t be inclined to sit down and meditate.

No matter what space you’re in, use it to your advantage.