Whether practicing formal meditation or simply taking time to rest in mindful awareness, having a space that reflects the qualities we wish to cultivate is a great aid.
What is a mindful space?
A mindful space is a dedicated area designed to encourage mindfulness through qualities like quietness, tranquility, peace, safety, and comfort. It is an intentionally chosen or crafted environment that minimizes distractions and supports the cultivation of a relaxed and present state of mind.
Why a mindful space matters
Think of it as analogous to a work office. A dedicated mindful space provides a quiet, intentional environment where we can step away from the demands and distractions of everyday life. Unlike an office, where the focus is on accomplishing tasks, in this space—free from technology, noise, and external pressures—we create a space for meditation, introspection, mindful awareness, and presence.
How to create a mindful space
What qualities should it have?
The mindful space that you create for yourself should be easy to get to and very accessible. One should be able to have privacy and feel safe and at peace there. It could be indoors or outdoors, some examples include:
A certain room in your home
Your deck, balcony, or patio
A space in your yard, community park, local gardens, etc.
Any worship center, be it church, monastery or synagogue that is open to the public
A local library
A dedicated room or area at one's place of work
Additional Suggestions:
Have a seating arrangement that is comfortable but fosters alertness and presence
Having a door you can close to seal off the space can help create the enclosed environment and feelings of security.
Add decor that makes you feel cozy, peaceful, and relaxed such as: plants, candles, paintings, books, blankets, incense, a yoga mat, a meditation pillow, lamps, warm lighting, etc.
If indoors, having a window with a view of nature is wonderful.
Remove distractions such as television, laptops, monitors, speakers, and maybe leave your phone outside the room if possible
Try a pair of noise cancelling headphones if distracting noise is an issue.
Utilize colors that inspire peace and presence within you.
There is no right way to create this space, it is personal and for you alone! It doesn't have to be anything fancy, you don't need to buy anything; however you feel the most comfortable and relaxed is what's right for you.
Over the years, I have used my bedroom in a cramped apartment, a hidden library that was seldom full, a secluded bench in a local park, a gazebo in a public garden, and a home office room with a comfy chair facing a window. Sometimes we find a space that inherently possesses the qualities we are looking for and sometimes we must add the qualities ourselves. Have fun with it and be creative! It is the intentionality that matters, not the product of our creation. And once we have found or created our mindful space, we have a refuge to help foster the state of relaxed, present-moment awareness and our inherent peace and well-being.
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