5 Tips to Elevate Your Meditation Space

Meditation is the practice of staying mindful and focused on the present. There are many different types of meditation; this guide is for those seeking to slow down and learn to retrain their nervous system to let go. When we are truly calm and grounded, we can only then start to awaken our inner intelligence and awareness, to see clearly what is happening now.

This sounds good in theory, and really, you can meditate anywhere. In reality, though, establishing a routine that sticks is a major barrier for most. One way to help the habit stick is to make the experience something you look forward to. If you carve out a little space in your home dedicated to your new commitment, not only are you more likely to do it, but you are also more likely to enjoy it. If you enjoy it, you are more likely to come sit the next day. If you want to heighten your meditation experience, here are six tips for creating a personalized and spiritual sanctuary at home.

1. Locate Your Ideal Meditation Space

Your meditation space should, at first anyway, be free of distraction. It’s hard enough to stay present with our own thoughts, but if we are surrounded by distractions, or worse, temptations, we are making it so much harder. Obviously, this spot should be away from the TV and obvious centers of activity, but you should also make sure to leave your phone outside the space. Never bring it in, not even as a timer. If you do guided meditations, then you can make an exception, but we still recommend using a laptop, not the phone. If you must bring your phone, make sure it is on do not disturb. If you don’t have a dedicated room, a corner of a room is enough, just ensure those that live with you know not to disturb your meditations. Take it seriously to get the results you want.

2. Gather Your Meditation Space Essentials

Meditation essentials are the items that contribute to the goal of your space, which for most includes calming down, being present, and learning about their mind. As you set up the area, remove all clutter and choose calming decor that brings joy, expresses something unique about yourself, and helps you achieve a more meditative mindset. Meditation rooms often feature:

  • Simple color palettes, like cool colors or earth tones: pick a color that feels calming to you, and preferably a unique color (like adobe, terracotta, sea foam, etc) Colors are powerful. Each time you enter your space, the colors can prime your nervous system for what is coming. The very act of entering your space already sets you up for success.
  • Plants. Plants are like pets that don’t distract. They can provide beauty, fresh air, and it’s been shown most people’s nervous system responds strongly to green plants. They are inherently calming, bringing a little nature into your space.Source: Fleming, W. (2024, June 11). Simply looking at greenery can boost mental health – new research. The Conversation.https://theconversation.com/simply-looking-at-greenery-can-boost-mental-health-new-research-232071
  • Candles. Candles are not only beautiful, but they also smell nice, they are helpful when your mind wanders. Cracking your eyes open and watching the dancing flame is calming, not unlike the “calm jars” recommended for anxious kids. Fire draws the eye, and its unpredictable soft movements can keep you in the present, give yourself a focus.
  • Comfortable seating. This should be whatever works for you. Read more on this topic below.
  • A small altar area with meaningful statues, symbolic artwork, or crystals and stones that resonate with you. Art. Many like to include inspiring art. We recommend art that includes natural scenes to best promote nervous system regulation. The art can work similarly to the color of the space; it can serve as a reminder to your brain, oh, this artwork means it is time to let go of the activity of the day and go inward.

3. Make it a Sensory Experience

If the meditation state of pure “abiding awareness” seems like an impossible task, we recommend adding some sensory experience to nurture (or trick) your nervous system into letting you finally drift into softer states of mind. Your meditation space can blend elements that engage all five senses, such as:

Sight: Experiment with lighting that gives a soft, warm glow, such as candles or decorative lamps.

Smell: Incorporate soothing scents to help you achieve deeper relaxation. Consider using an essential oil diffuser or incense. We recommend always using the same smell. Again, this sends the signal to your nervous system that it is time to relax and meditate.

Sound: Meditate while listening to sounds that soothe you and give you something pleasant to focus on, such as gentle music or nature sounds, or a distinctive sound (again, a signal to your brain that this is meditation time) like chanting or bells.

Touch: Experiment with your sense of touch. Surround yourself with soft and cozy fabrics. You could get a sensory object to squish, which focuses on mind on the body, which is inherently present, just like the ancients counted beads on a string as a way to stay focused.

Taste: Some people include taste in their meditation journey by sipping herbal tea or infused water before and after meditating. Ritual is important, choose one that supports your journey.

4. Find Your Perfect Meditation Seating

Comfort plays a vital role in meditation. Suitable seating allows you to sit and relax for long periods of time without becoming distracted by a stiff seat or an uncomfortable back. Some popular options include:

Floor cushions or a seating pad.
Plush benches.
Simple recliners.
Floor chairs.

Do not sit on a meditation cushion unless this position feels natural and aligned. We find the best position is with the spine straight, so in a chair or on the floor. This is the best balance for being at ease, but still telling your system this is not nap-time. The intention is to “show up” with all your focus. However, if you must lie down due to body pains and tension, this is much better than not meditating. If you do choose a meditation cushion, choose one where your bottom is high enough that your lower back can maintain its natural curve. This will be based on your personal flexibility so it may take some time to find the right one.

5. Open With a Ritual

How you begin a session shapes how easily you settle into it. Setting a gentle timer for 10, 20 or 30 minutes helps hold the container of your practice, so you’re not checking the clock instead of quieting your mind. Some people ease into stillness with a short prayer or a few resonant mantras before sinking into silence. There’s no rigid formula here, give yourself full permission to design an opening ritual that feels genuinely restorative to you. We encourage you to include your space in your ritual. When my mind wanders, I often crack open my eyes and stare at a poster I have in my room. I allow my eyes to soften until I am pulled back into my meditation.

Develop a Healthy Meditation Routine

Congratulations, your meditation space is personalized and complete. Now it’s time to make meditation part of your daily routine. Frequency and consistency ensure you get the most out of your meditation efforts. Even a short session is better than none at all. If you’re still struggling to make meditation habitual, here are some ways to implement this practice into your routine:
Meditate at the same time every day.

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