Why create a meditation space?  Because whenever you sit there, you know it’s time to go inside.  Otherwise, there are so many things pulling for your attention.  At first, it’s good to have a place to retreat to.  Then, after a while, it becomes easier to remain more relaxed and centred wherever you are and whatever you are doing.  Having some quiet time with yourself each day helps free up from the busy mind although at first you might just be more aware of the busyness. Let that be ok.  

Create a special place using the tips below.  Enjoy the process of preparing it.  Just be present and the preparation is a meditation in itself.   

1. Decide on a location
Maybe you have a whole room or even a corner of a room – choose a place in your home where you can be undisturbed by people, animals, phones and other distractions. 

2. De-clutter
Remove everything from the area that isn’t needed.  Outer clutter encourages inner clutter. Outer spaciousness helps you to be aware of inner spaciousness. 

3. Clean 
Clean the area well.  When you’re cleaning the outer, you can be cleaning the inner.
 
4. Structure the Area
You can sit on a chair or a cushion on the floor- whatever is comfortable and helps you keep your back straight and relaxed.  If you like, you could have a table (or a tray if you have limited space)  in front of you on which you have placed a few inspiring items.  You can add to or change these over time. You could use a screen as a partition or a rug to mark out the space – be creative! You may want to have a music system there.  If you play music, make sure it is conducive to relaxing and always follow it with a period of silence.

5. Make it beautiful
Examples:
flowers
a candle
tibetan bells – to begin and end the sitting
a stone or crystal
a picture
fragrance: incense/room spray/essential oil burner
make a card with an inspiring statement/quote/your intention

Now, you have a sacred space – a place to relax and just be yourself for a while. Enjoy!

Back to Resources

Copyright Kevin Olver 2003