The beauty of yoga and meditation is that they can be practiced from anywhere. As long as you enter your space with the right intention and focus, it doesn’t matter if you are at the studio, gym, park or in your own living room.
Now, if yoga and meditation are normal parts of your routine, it can be helpful to create a comfortable space in your home that is dedicated to your practice. You don’t have to have a spare bedroom or an unused basement begging for a Zen-inspired remodel. With the right accents, energy and aromas, you can transform even the corner of your room into a sanctuary.
The following 6 tips will help you create a yoga and meditation space that promotes deep, unique sensory experiences in your own home.
1. Consider the lighting.
Lighting is the key to making any space compatible with your yoga and meditation practices, especially if the room you plan to use serves multiple purposes in your home. With the right light sources in place, you transform any space into an om oasis with the flip of a switch.
So what kind of lighting should you aim for?
If you enjoy practicing yoga and meditation during the day, aim to find a nook of your home that is exposed to plenty of natural light. If that is not possible, or if you practice often in the evening, sprinkle in soft, yellow light throughout the room. From yellow-bulb table lamps to string lights to candles, there are countless lighting options for you to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
2. Tap into your minimalist side and declutter.
A common goal of yoga and meditation is to ground yourself and gain clarity. The environment you practice in contributes to this mental reset, so it is important that your sanctuary offers the purest form of peace.
The easiest way for you to infuse your yoga and meditation space with serenity is to declutter. Keep the décor simple and tidy, and take the time to discard the items that don’t serve a positive purpose in your life.
3. Bring life into the space.
Life is energy… and energy is everything.
Bring life into your dedicated yoga and meditation space with plants. Big or small, the simple addition of green lush into your home has been proven to have unique benefits on your wellbeing.
In fact, studies show that nature has calming and healing effects on the mind and body. So bring nature indoors and blossom alongside your vibrant verdure.
4. Welcome auditory sensation.
When creating a space that is intended to improve health and induce healing, it is easy to get caught up in the experience that meets the eye. Yes, the lighting, décor and visual ambiance of your yoga and meditation room is important, but don’t forget about the power of sound.
Sound healing meditation is a mindful practice that promotes relaxation, focus and healing through audible frequencies and vibrations. Tuning forks, energy chimes and hand pans are just a few of the popular instruments that are used by sound healing therapists and practitioners.
Gongs, however, may just be the most profound sound healing instrument. Each gong produces unique audible sounds and vibrations that create equally as unique meditative experiences.
While the ring of just about any gong is enough to put your mind and body into a state of relaxation, Paiste gongs are often the first choice by seasoned sound healing therapists and yogis. These gongs have a long sustain and radiate a sound that expands and blossoms. The sound of a Paiste gong is powerful enough to consume your body and penetrate your soul.
5. Create an aromatic experience.
Visual and auditory sensations aren’t the only way to take your yoga and meditation space to the next level.
A simple aromatic addition can have a shockingly powerful influence on your at-home mindfulness practices. And you can do so in a variety of ways...
Candles, incense and essential oils are aromatic must-haves. Find fragrances that speak to your intentions and that attract you to the space.
6. Make comfort your goal.
No matter the visual, auditory or aromatic experience that you seek to create, it is important that your yoga and meditation space be comfortable and calming.
For example, if you prefer to meditate while lying on the ground, it may be a good idea to invest in a mat, blankets and pillows that will make your experience more comfortable. Or if you find yourself most relaxed in a seated position, find a chair that promotes relaxation and restfulness.
All in All
Yoga and meditation are personal practices. In other words, there is no rulebook for Zen.
Listen to your own intentions and create a space that speaks to you. Incorporate lighting, décor, sound healing instruments and aromatic essentials into your yoga and meditation room in a way that makes the most sense for you.