Motivate Yourself to Meditate by Setting Up a Meditation Space

In this article I would like to give you some tips about the external part of meditation. By this I mean everything that surrounds you when you sit in your meditation. There are a lot of guides, books and manuals that teach you how to meditate. But only few of them consider the importance of the environment. Your meditation space is very important. For instance you wouldn't eat your dinner in your bedroom or slip in your kitchen. Every room has it's own vibrations. The same goes for your meditation space. If you want progress in your meditation you need to set up a place in your home only for your meditation and nothing else. You will be amazed by the difference it will make in your meditation practice. Many people keep meditating in whatever place they feel comfortable, even in the bed. As I mentioned, every place has it's own vibration depending on what it is used for. If you meditate in your bed you will have to struggle not to fall asleep because you will be creating those vibration that used to put you in slip when you go to bed at night. But if you have a meditation space it will create special atmosphere that will really help you go deeper in your meditation each time you use it. So my point is for a good progress in meditation you need have a space that you use for meditation only.

Choosing a Place

Unless you already have a special peaceful place set up in your home I suggest you create a meditation space somewhere within your living area. Perhaps you are fortunate enough to have an extra room you can use it when you need some time for yourself. Pick a room that comfortable, and make it to satisfy your needs. Do not choose a room with a high noise or activity levels like a kitchen or even a living room. Instead, choose a space that is more private and is not a center of activity in your home. Different people have different habits. One can relax and concentrate better in darkness, another one has a better meditation in a room filled with natural light. When your child grows up and lives the home you may want to convert the vacated bedroom into your meditation space rather than making it into another guest room that is used very rarely.

But don't think you must wait until you have a spare room to create a meditation space. Not every person has the ability to devote an entire room for meditation or prayer. Consider taking up any corner of your home and building your own meditation place there. Once you have chosen the space, clean up the entire room where your sacred space will exist (even if only a small corner of it is being used). You may want to set household rules as to who is and who is not allowed into this space. Is this going to be your own space or can other family members use it when you aren't using it? A household with children and activities may appear to limit such possibilities, but your desire for creating a meditation space should not feel compromised.

Furnishings

Now let's talk about the furnishings. I suggest to chose your desired furnishing and keep it always the same. It will remind your conscious and subconscious minds about your meditation and it will help you relax and go deeper and deeper in your meditation each time you use it. Your intention and desire for your meditation space will affect its furnishings. One may wish just a meditation chair or pillow, and a few symbolic objects. Obviously, the intent here would be to create spiritual and meditative focus, not to suggest a place to lie back and zone out. Contemplate what are the factors of your intention for a meditation space, and furnish accordingly. As far as furnishing goes, there is no need to go out and spend a lot of money trying to decorate your meditation area. Probably you would like to bring some elements of nature, which can be as simple as a small rock or a tree leaf.

Firs of all you need a chair or pillow to sit on. It is not recommended to meditate lying down in a horizontal position because it is easy to develop a habit to fall asleep instead of meditating. Don't bend your back, so your breath will be normal. A meditation chair usually is some special and unique seat with the sole purpose to give you support for proper meditation posture. On the other hand, the chair should not be too hard so it disturbs your meditation. You must pick your meditation chair diligently; you may want to try different types of chairs at different heights and comfort. Another option is to choose a meditation pillow (often called zafu) that comfortably supports your body posture while in meditation or prayer.

Furnishing reflective of art is also very important. Showcase an art piece or two, especially one that emits the feeling of gratitude for life. To find out what type of furnishing will make you feel relaxed and help you to enter a meditation state ask yourself a few of these questions: What are your favorite spiritual images? What comforts you?

A window is a furnishing too. Make sure you do justice to a window, framing it with nice curtains, paint or stain. Especially highlight it with a nearby piece of furniture or chair, or a special plant. Of course, plants also play a key role in comforting the soul. In your meditation place don't hold back on having those types of plants and vases of flowers that really uplift you.

Music

For developing a habit to go into the deeper meditation state quickly I suggest you to use the opportunity treat all of your senses. That will create a habit that helps you to go deep inside as soon as you enter your meditation place. Let's talk about the sense of hearing.

Music may have a place in your setting, and if so, make sure you have a small system that really comforts you. You may use the music to achieve a deeper meditation state or just to prepare yourself for you regular meditation by just immersing yourself into the sounds around or meditation music. There are a lot of different types of soothing meditation music. Pick one that suits you best. If you decide to meditate with the music put you system on auto reverse. Even if you don't use the music in your meditation it is very useful way to prepare yourself for you meditation just by immersing yourself into the music for a few minutes.

Colors and Lightning

The sight plays tremendous role in our everyday life. It is also very important to set the proper lightning and colors in your meditation place. Both science and arts have demonstrated that color affects mood. For example, red and orange energize, yellow tends to increase communication, while pastel blues, violets, greens, and white soothe, heal, and open one's receptivity to the spiritual realms. So it is desirable to have those colors that soothe and enhance your spiritual receptivity.

Lighting is important to your meditation space as well. It can be the natural light from a window or skylight to set you in a proper mood if you meditate during the day. But so is the soft light emanating from a candle or a fireplace if you meditate at night. Lamps can add to a mood, especially if they have a nice lampshade that accents the light.

Incense and Fragrance

Lastly, do not rule out your sense of smell. The smell can create a really strong anchor. Have you ever experienced how one familiar smell can bring up all the memories and fillings associated with this smell? Using the incenses and fragrances also can help you to go deeper into your meditation just by reminding you the past experiences of your meditation that you already had in presence of that smell. The smell shouldn't be strong. Otherwise after some time you may find that it is difficult to meditate without that incense that you are get used to. You can use incenses that commonly used such as essential oils, scented candles, sachets, herbal pillows, flowers and other valuable additions.

A Few Tips on How to Effectively Begin Your Meditation

There are a few things that you can follow to begin your meditation more effectively each time. If you can follow them you will notice some difference in your practice. If you cannot follow them keep in mind that meditation is the meditation that happens inside of us. Anything else outside can only help us in our practice.

Before you go to your meditation take a warm shower or bath. It will help you relax your body muscles. While you are taking a bath or shower try to immerse yourself into the present moment, forget the past and don't think about the future, just enjoy the present moment.

After taking a shower put loose-fitted clothes on you. The color of your clothes should help you get into spiritual mood.

Sprinkle a little bit water at you meditation place. You can use pulverize for that purpose. This will create a feel of freshness. The next helpful thing to use would be your favorite incense or fragrance. You can use essential oils, fire the candles or just bring the flowers. Don't over do it. Keep the smell soft and natural.

Put your meditation music. If you want practice meditation with music set your system on auto reverse. If you meditate without music just listen to it for a few minutes that will help you to set your mind in proper state for meditation.

After you done all the preparation sit on you meditation chair or pillow, close your eyes and relax all your muscles starting with the muscles of your face. When your feel that all the muscles of your body are completely relaxed begin with your own meditation.