Meditation - Boxwood & Bay

Create a Sanctuary

Here are a few tips on how to create the peRfect place for meditation and to practice yoga

An image of a woman wearing a yoga outfit is meditating and sitting on a throw on the floor. There is a candle in a brown glass jar burning nearby.

Choosing the Right Spot for Meditation

Creating a special area in your home dedicated to positivity, gratitude, and meditation can be a transformative practice. This private sanctuary, a place where you can meditate, reflect, and focus on your aspirations and the things you’re thankful for, serves as a powerful tool to start and end your day with a clear, positive mindset. Here’s how you can create and utilise this special area:

Select a quiet, undisturbed corner of your home where you can sit without being interrupted. This could be a spare room, a peaceful corner of your bedroom, or even a secluded spot in your living room or garden. Natural light can enhance the serenity of your space. A spot with a window that lets in gentle sunlight in the morning or offers a calming view can be ideal.

Image of a man meditating in a room with mid-century decor.

Setting Up Your Space

Minimalistic Approach: Keep the decor simple and clutter-free. The focus is on creating a calm and serene environment. A clean space helps in reducing distractions and aids in focusing your mind.
Incorporate Nature: Adding elements of nature like plants or a small fountain can enhance the tranquillity of the space. Greenery is known to have a calming effect on the mind.
Choose Comfortable Seating: Whether you prefer sitting on the floor on a yoga mat or in a comfortable armchair, ensure your seating choice supports your posture and comfort for the duration of your meditation or reflection time.
Personalise with Positive Objects: Decorate your space with objects that hold special meaning to you and evoke positivity. This could be photographs of loved ones, inspirational quotes, symbols of your achievements, or anything that reminds you of your goals and gratitude.

Creating a Routine

Commit to spending 15 minutes each morning and evening in your special area. Making this a regular part of your routine is key to harnessing the benefits of this practice.

Breath Focus: Begin by concentrating on your breath. This helps to anchor your attention and calm the mind.
Gratitude List: Silently list things you’re grateful for. This shifts your focus from negativity to appreciation.
Visualisation: Spend a few minutes visualising your goals and what you wish to achieve. Imagine your success and the steps you need to take to get there.
Affirmations: End your session by repeating positive affirmations that resonate with your goals and inner values.

Enhancing Your Meditation Experience

Stimulating the senses in your special area not only enhances the physical environment but also deeply enriches the meditative and reflective experience. Here are ways to engage each of the senses in a healthy and uplifting manner:

Visual Stimulation

Colour Therapy: Incorporate colours that evoke tranquillity and happiness. Soft blues and greens promote calmness, while warm yellows and oranges can boost happiness and creativity.
Meaningful Decor: Choose decorations that have a personal significance and evoke positive emotions. This can be anything from a piece of art that inspires you to photos that bring back happy memories.

Auditory Stimulation

Image of a pair of small round N.O.W. Tone Therapy System speakers. Listen to tones to help relieve stress and aid meditation.

Soothing Sounds: Background sounds can greatly enhance your ability to relax and focus. Consider playing soft nature sounds, such as flowing water or rustling leaves, or gentle instrumental music. There are many apps and online platforms offering a variety of calming soundscapes.
Silence: For some, pure silence is the most powerful way to meditate and reflect. If you find the quietest time of day or use noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions, you may discover profound peace in silence.

Olfactory Stimulation

Image showing a NEOM – Wellbeing Pod Luxe, an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, in a room setting enhancing meditation.

Natural Scents: Use natural oils or incense to create a soothing aroma in your space. Lavender, sandalwood, and peppermint are known for their calming and focus-enhancing properties. Ensure any scents used are not too overpowering and are pleasing to you.
Fresh Air: If possible, allow fresh air to flow into your space. Ventilation can help clear the mind and invigorate the senses.

Tactile Stimulation

An image of a section of a Zen Garden with a single smooth roundish stone set on smooth with sand with a pattern drawn into the sand around the stone with a rake.

Comfortable Textures: Incorporate comfortable, soothing textures into your space. This could be a soft rug, a cosy blanket, or a comfortable cushion for your seating area. The physical comfort provided by these textures can help ease you into a meditative state.
Hands-on Objects: Having a tactile object to hold, such as a smooth stone, a set of mala beads, or a soft piece of fabric, can help focus your mind and ground you in the present moment.

Taste

An image of a jug and glass of freshly made cucumber and mint spring water.

Healthy Refreshments: Having a cup of herbal tea or a glass of water can be a refreshing ritual before or after your meditation. Choose beverages that are calming and hydrating.

…and breathe

Integrating these elements should be done with balance and personal preference in mind. The goal is to create a harmonious environment that supports your meditation and reflection without overwhelming any one sense. Experiment with different combinations to find what best helps you achieve a state of mindfulness and gratitude.

Journaling: Keeping a journal in your special area can be beneficial. After each session, jot down any thoughts, gratitudes, or insights that came to you. This can be a powerful tool for tracking your progress and reflecting on your journey.
Limit Distractions: Ensure your phone is on silent or in another room. This time is for you to connect with your inner self, free from the interruptions of daily life.
Comfortable Attire: Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement or distract you during your time of reflection.

Creating this special area is not just about the physical space, but about fostering a habit and mindset that prioritises your mental and emotional well-being. It’s a personal retreat that encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and a positive outlook on life.

To learn more about meditation, please visit Transcendental Meditation.