Creating a harmonious space is all about minimizing distractions; the idea is to keep much of the “everyday” world out to allow focus on developing inner serenity. So, reducing noise, limiting reminders of the so-called “real” world, and creating a calming space lead the list of tips for developing a meditation area.
Relaxing Colors
Composing a tranquil color palette is not all about cool colors. While there are few people who do not realize that blue is a calming color, too dark a blue tends to make rooms feel cold. Avoid colors that are too dark, too bright or harsh to the eye, while keeping a balance of warm and cool advance the goals of meditation by reducing distractions and enhancing quiescent feelings.
Adequate Lighting
A meditation space is not a cave; generally, meditation promotes well-being. So, since lack of sunlight has been linked to depression, letting healthy light in should be a goal for any serene space. Frosted glass windows are especially effective, while they let light in, the soft light quality contributes to a sense of well being while direct sunlight can feel glaring. Candles also aid in developing meditation friendly light, and certain scents included in them also possess properties known to aid feelings of peace and ability to focus.
Minimalist Furniture
The greater the number of items in any room, the more distracting the room becomes to the eye. So, keeping furniture to a minimum greatly enhances the practitioner’s ability to concentrate on development of their inner world. Also, what furniture is in the room should be comfortable and low-key. A furniture item that invites the individual to “drop” into it and read, or take a nap is ideal for the meditative space.
Low Sound
Dishwashers, pets, children, televisions, cell phones, and the cacophony of hectic lives do nothing but induce stress and anxiety, which are not the goals of meditation. Shut out as much noise as possible and leave the cell phone in another room. While people often feel it necessary to be connected to the world this connections limits the ability to develop harmony and inner peace. Additionally, house phone and pagers should also be banned from the space. A CD player with a relaxation or meditation disk should be the only sound producing medium in the area.
Carpeting
A soft carpet in a calm color/s is an effective way to feel comfortable while meditating and aid in inducing serenity. If the practitioner kneels or sits upon carpet with a smooth feel and a decent degree of padding, he or she will feel more composed and ready to center their meditation.
Calming Textures
Rug/s, furniture, drapes and other fabrics and surfaces should employ textures which foster deliberation and directions. Rough, scratchy fabrics and materials which cause the body any discomfort should be avoided. Fabrics which do not increase either heat or cold feel good against the skin, and furniture with adequate stuffing contribute to feelings of relaxation.
Relax, breath and leave the real world behind. Only then can a focused meditation help develop feelings of peace and well being, which aid development of a strong inner core, so create a meditation space that suits your needs.
Originally posted on July 31, 2013 @ 6:10 am
