Countless people in many cultures practice meditation. This is because meditation is good for your mental well-being. Also, you only need a place to sit to meditate if you are an expert. But if you are a beginner, then it's a bit harder.
Having a good meditation space will make your meditation easier. Also, being gentle on your senses is one of the keys to creating a meditation space that you enjoy. This is because your senses connect your brain to your environment. If something is wrong, then your senses will send this information to your brain. Your brain will interpret this as discomfort. This can make it hard for a beginner to focus on meditating. So by making your environment easy on the senses, you will make it easier to meditate. With this understanding, here is how to create a meditation space that you will love:
Pick a low traffic spot
Here is why: You can always block out noise, but it's hard to keep your focus when others are bumping into you. Now if the secluded places in your home are the quietest, then that is ideal. Also, it's not a factor if you live alone.
More often than not, the most secluded spot is also the quietest spot. But if you have to choose between seclusion and acoustic silence, choose seclusion. Your meditation will be easier and more enjoyable.
Here is how: Stay away from doorways and passageways. The far corner of a room is better. You can also lock yourself in your room and put a "Do not disturb" on the door. If you are looking for a spot outside, then stay away from paths.
Make sure it is at the right temperature
Here is why: Meditation works better when you are comfortable. Sitting in very hot or cold places gives no benefit to your meditation. In fact, it will only increase your chances of getting heat exhaustion or hypothermia.
Here is how: If you are indoors, then set the thermostat to your desired temperature. You can open or close a window depending on the temperature. You can also put on a sweater if the room is chilly.
If you are outside, then there is less that you can do. You can sit in the shade if it's too warm. If it's chilly, then you can wear a jacket. If the outside temperature is extreme or the weather is bad, you are better off indoors.
Add comfortable seating
Here is why: Being comfortable will make your meditation easier and more enjoyable. Meditation should not create pain and suffering.
Here is how: You can meditate while sitting on any comfortable surface. You can also meditate while sitting in any comfortable position. There is no special "approved" surface or position. You can sit on the floor, on a mat, on a sofa, or anywhere else. But make sure that it's comfortable. For example, I enjoy meditating in my hanging chair. It is very comfortable, and the gentle sway makes it easy for me to relax. It is important to find what works best for you.
Make it look nice
Here is why: Some meditations are best done with the eyes open. Also, your eyes will be open when you get into a position to meditate. This is true regardless of whether you meditate with your eyes open or closed. Also, it will make at least part of your home beautiful. But it is even better to make your entire home beautiful. That way, your home will be a tranquil haven. Also, you don't have to be meditating to enjoy the beauty of your meditation space.
Here is how: You don't need top-end furniture and expensive showpieces to make your home beautiful. Also, you don't need a scenic view out your window to have a meditation space. But one of the best ways to improve the decor is to get rid of items that you don't use. Removing items that you don't use costs nothing and gives you more space. On that note, decorations are useful and can stay. After decluttering, you can add statues, mandalas, fountains, etc to your meditation space.
Add the sounds you like
Here is why: Adding sounds can enhance your meditation experience. Although it is not always necessary, it can make meditating easier. Also, not everyone lives within earshot of ocean waves or soothing waterfalls. But those are nice sounds when you are meditating. Also, a sound system is good if you want guided meditation sessions. It's cheaper than having the guru drop by.
Here is how: Here is how: If you want a sound system, a pair of headphones to use with your smartphone is the cheapest. Isolating headphones are great for screening out all kinds of noise. This includes background chatter. Noise-canceling headphones are better for screening out steady noise. But they are not as good for screening out background chatter. The best option is isolating headphones that also have noise-cancellation.
You can also get speakers that connect via BlueTooth to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can even get a HiFi stereo system if it fits your budget and your space.
You can get recordings of many types of sounds for your meditation. You can also get them in a variety of formats including CDs, MP3 downloads, or streamed. Here are some of the types of sounds that you can use:
Meditation music
Sounds of rain, ocean surf, wind, birds, etc.
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) sounds
Chants
You can find one of the biggest selections of these sounds on Youtube.
But you don't need any of that. If you like the sound of running water, you can get a small fountain. You can also open a window if you like the sounds of nature. But that depends on where you live. You can even make your own sounds by repeating a chant. You can also keep silent. It all depends on your preferences, your space, and your budget.
Add the scents you like
Here is why: It is easier to enjoy a meditation space if you enjoy the scent than if you don't. Also, scents in your space can affect your emotions and your moods. Again, there is no need to add this to your meditation space if you don't want to.
Here is how: There are things that add scents by burning something. Some things add scents without burning anything. Here is a list of both:
Scented candle: The heat from the candle melts the candle wax and evaporates the scented oil that it contains.
Incense burner: This creates a glowing ember of the incense. It gives off a fragrant smoke.
Scented oil burner: The scented oil is in an open container with a flame underneath it. The heat from the flame evaporates the scented oil and adds the fragrance to the room. The flame is usually supplied by a candle.
Scented wax warmer: It has pieces of scented wax in an open container. It heats the container which melts the wax and evaporates the scented oil in the wax. This releases the scent into the room. It can supply the heat with a small candle or an electric heating element.
Scented oil diffuser: This atomizes the scented oil into tiny droplets which it disperses into the room. There are various types of diffusers.
Fragrant plants: These are plants that release a pleasant aroma into the room.
I recommend adding scents without burning anything for 3 main reasons:
1. Burning things can create a fire hazard.
2. Burning things will cause soot buildup on the ceiling.
3. Inhaling smoke of any type is bad for your lungs.
Whatever the case, make sure that you love the scent before adding it to your meditation space. Also, fragrant plants are great provided you have no allergy to them. They also work great for outdoor meditation spaces. You can even make your own garden if you like.
Fragrant plants include the following:
Jasmine
Mint
Rosemary
Lavender
These plants will add nice aromas to your meditation space. But be careful when using mint outdoors. It is a weed and will take over your garden if you let it.
Outdoor meditation
In summary, meditating is easy for an expert but can be difficult for a beginner. But you can make it easier. You do this by creating a comfortable meditation space. Also, by doing this, you make your meditation space easier on the senses. Once again, here is how to create a meditation space that you will enjoy:
Pick a low traffic spot.
Make sure it is at the right temperature.
Add comfortable seating.
Make it look nice.
Add the sounds you like.
Add the scents you like.
Again, you don't need any of these to meditate. But they will make a beautiful meditation space that you love. So you might as well create a space that will add beauty to your home and life.