Creating space for mat and meditation at home

Dedicating a separate space for meditation and decorating it accordingly goes a long way.

One may fantasise about going off to an ashram, deep woods or some other spiritual places where everything is conveniently taken care of and all one has to do is meditate, eat, and sleep. But if the circumstances of life don't allow for time away, one may just have to carve the time and space for meditation out of the raw material of their busy life.

Yoga mats, mirror fitted walls and splatter fountains are replacing iron weights, heavy cardio equipment and loud sound system in some home exercise rooms, as yoga is entering as a mainstream fitness option. Now home owners new or old are requesting to design yoga and meditation room from their interior designers, especially those who can no longer undertake hardcore cardiovascular exercises because of stress on knees or joints.

Fewer distractions

As a beginner, one already has plenty of distractions to contend with, both, inner and outer. Choose a few items that find bring peace and serenity. Keep this zone technology free. This means, no phones allowed. From the distracting 'ping' of text messages, emails, and phone calls -just say no to phones in the meditation room.

Relatively silent

If you live in the town, you probably won't be able to eliminate the usual background noises the drone of traffic, the shouts and laughter of kids on the street, the hum of the refrigerator. But you should, if at all possible, avoid audible conversations, sounds of TV, popular music, and other familiar distractions.

Lighting effects

Sitting in a bright, sunny spot may be too energising and distracting, just as sitting in the dark can put one to sleep. Be sure to modulate the lighting with your attention level in mind.

Fresh air

Because we're talking breath here, it's great to have a supply of fresh air where one meditates. Avoid windowless rooms, as besides being bad for the health, they tend to lower the energy and oxygen level resulting in sleep. Fresh air is ideal. It will help one to focus and aid breathing. Even in the smallest of places, one should try and meditate by an open window or in a well-ventilated room.

Close to nature

Meditation is all about connecting with nature and surroundings. By adding an element of nature, the space becomes infused with balance and harmony. If one doesn't have a tree or a garden outside the window near where one meditates, one may want to have a plant or a vase full of flowers or a few stones nearby.

Personalise the space

To make the meditation space more personal and tranquil, one can add anything that soothes the soul. Few essential items like yoga mats, floor cushions, foam blocks and bolsters will aid the yoga practice.

Using one's favourite aromatherapy scents create an atmosphere conducive to meditation. Candles are the easiest and cheapest way to utilise the effects of aromatherapy. These candles are known to have a balancing effect on the mind and mood. The meditation space doesn't have to be luxurious, but make sure that it reflects one's personal taste and style whether you like a more modern, minimalistic look, a warm and cosy feel or even the great outdoors go for it!