Meditation Basics

By Sanjeev Kumar, CYT 500

Whether you are a beginner or a teacher, there are foundational matters for practice and setting up a room for meditation. At the same time, once a room or studio is set up, new students need to understand the value of consistent practice.

How to Prepare a Room for Meditation 

Meditation is a physically and emotionally fulfilling activity that can calm your mind and leave you feeling relaxed and peaceful. While some people believe that meditation means that you are thinking about something or pondering it deeply. True meditation involves clearing the mind of thoughts and simply being in the moment. While you can meditate in any location, such as while sitting in a waiting room at the doctor’s office, deep meditation is easier to achieve when you have a dedicated space that is ideally suited for this activity. Use these tips to create an excellent environment for meditation.

Focus on Furnishings

Because meditation involves clearing the mind and simply living in the here and now, the perfect space for meditation will be uncluttered and likely will have minimal furnishings. Many people meditate on a small mat or pillow on the ground, and there may not be any other furnishings in the space. If furnishings must be in the room, keep their surfaces uncluttered. In addition, try to only incorporate the furnishings that are essential for the functional use of the space. If space is limited, you can even place a cushion in the corner of one room. As an alternative to a cushion, you could meditate peacefully on a cushioned chair.

Choose Natural Elements

Natural elements inspire peace and serenity. When possible, open the window to allow fresh air and a subtle breeze to filter into the room. Otherwise, add a potted plant or even a picture of a pleasing nature scene to the space. Another excellent way to add a touch of nature into a room is to add a water feature. For example, a small fountain could be placed on a nearby table or even on the window sill. The gentle water sound can help you to block out thoughts and enjoy serene bliss.

Create a Peaceful Ambiance

The ambiance of your space is critical to meditation practices. Avoid using dark colors to decorate the room. Instead, choose lighter or neutral tones that are more pleasant to the eye. Decorating the windows with sheers instead of thick draperies can also create an airy, relaxed ambiance. Using essential oils can also be helpful, but choose scents that are pleasant to you rather than distracting. If you have a loud external environment that could be distracting, you may block out some of the sounds by playing instrumental or nature sounds. These work much better than music with lyrics. The lyrics can make it difficult to truly clear your mind. A final step to take is to disconnect from the wired world. Turn off your phone and all other devices that may interfere with your practice, and place them out of reach.

While you could meditate in any location, you may find it easier to relax and enjoy the full benefits of meditation when you are immersed in an ideal environment. Choose a space that is most well-suited for meditation. Then, incorporate these tips to transform that space into a peaceful meditation area.

Tips for Following Through on Your Meditation Routine 

Meditation is one of the biggest goals that makes its way onto New Year's resolution lists constantly. It's no surprise either. Everyone wants to be more mindful, level-headed, and experience the many health benefits that accompany meditation including decreased stress, increased immune system function, and better memory.

However, actually taking time to sit down and meditate is a different story. It can be difficult to stick with your meditation routine if you have no idea what you're doing or if you are constantly experiencing disruptions. If this is you, here are some tips for following through on your meditation routine.

1. Understand What Meditation Is

It's a common misconception that meditation is the art of sitting and staring blankly into space, without thoughts or disruptions. This is absolutely wrong. Meditation is the art of being more mindful of what is going on inside your head and body. It is the ability to take a look at your feelings and thoughts without examining them or adding onto them. You simply just are when you meditate. Once you understand this simple truth, it becomes much easier to stick with your meditation routine. 

2. Know That Not Every Session Will Be Wonderful and Go Through With It

Meditation is a lifelong practice and it is not something that immediately clicks with everyone. Some meditation sessions are a struggle and you may find yourself thinking more than being mindful. This is to be expected and you are going to encounter these moments for as long as you plan on meditating. Rather than getting discouraged and giving up, just go with it. Continuously sitting down to meditate will make your routine more concrete and will help you continue your practice in the future.

3. There Is No Set Way to Meditate

When you think about the word meditation, what comes to your mind. If you've only seen meditation in movies and on television, you are probably thinking about the stereotypical monk in an orange robe, sitting in lotus position and achieving eternal piece. Well, I have something to reveal to you. Unless you are a monk, meditation is nothing like this.

While you could chose to do this, there are so many different techniques and positions that you shouldn't restrict yourself to any specific practice. For example, you may be a person who is suffering from back problems. This can make it painful for your body to remain seated straight while meditating. Instead of putting yourself through pain and frustration every session, seek out a position that makes you feel comfortable.

If you find a certain meditation that you actually enjoy doing, the likelihood that you will stick with your practice is much stronger than making yourself uncomfortable or bored each day.

The most important thing to remember when you are tying to stay with your meditation practice is why you began in the first place. Remember the benefits associated and how you are going to feel afterwards. Once you've incorporated these tips into your daily life, nothing will be able to break you away from your routine!

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