Crafting the perfect meditation room, a harmonious blend of design and decor, not only provides an aesthetically pleasing escape but also serves as the canvas upon which you can empty your mind, center your thoughts on the rhythmic ebb and flow of your breath, and release the burdens that weigh upon you.
Embrace Minimalism:
How does one embark on the creation of a sacred space?
Meditation sanctuaries, by their very essence, exude cleanliness and freshness, nurturing an environment of relaxation.
As Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the pioneering female and non-Indian Siddha Master who ascended to the ultimate realm of meditative consciousness, aptly notes, “Meditation is the practice of clearing your thoughts, creating a state of stillness that quiets and cleanses the mind.”
When you embark on designing your meditation space, remember to keep the decor minimal, free from distractions that clutter the mind.
Harmony with Your Mind:
The design and style of meditation rooms are profoundly influenced by your state of mind. Since this space is a sanctuary for relaxation, let your mood serve as your guide.
Are you at ease in bright, open spaces, or do you find solace in the cocoon of a cozy retreat? Aikawa advises commencing your meditation practice in a tranquil, uncluttered space devoid of external distractions. She elaborates that dedicating a room or space to meditation infuses it with sanctity, making it easier to attain a sacred state of mind.
Designating Your Sacred Space:
Irrespective of whether you possess an entire room or merely carve out a humble nook in your abode, your meditation space need not be vast; it simply must be a haven that beckons relaxation.
Gala Magriñá, the luminary interior designer and founder of Gala Magriñá Design in New York, imparts three pivotal elements for infusing zen into any square footage.
She affirms that it need not constitute an entire room; rather, it’s about crafting a small, unadorned, serene, and inspiring space for yourself. Even a solitary armchair bathed in the gentle glow of natural light can suffice, Magriñá reassures.
The Palette of Serenity:
While the significance of color might elude us initially, it wields a profound influence on our ability to meditate. Magriñá emphasizes that color exerts a deep-seated impact on our psyche. For achieving states of serenity and relaxation, she advocates soft tonal colors.
Vibrant, energizing hues should be set aside in favor of warm whites, subtle grays, and earthy tones that emanate a sense of tranquility. Additionally, designs incorporating light wood, wide-plank floors, and muted walls lend an aura of weightlessness and serenity to the space.
Bask in Sunlight:
The gentle caress of sunlight, rich in Vitamin D, unfurls warmth upon your body and soothes your restless mind. Whenever feasible, select a meditation area that bathes in the golden rays of sunlight. Soft flooring and seating conspire to create an inviting ambiance where you can recline and embark on your inner journey.
Embrace Green Allies:
Introducing air-purifying plants into your meditation space can work wonders. Magriñá underscores their value for breathwork, an integral part of many meditation practices. Opt for indoor plant species renowned for absorbing toxins from the air. Don’t shy away from abundance; plants not only purify the air but also infuse the space with a welcoming ambiance, enhancing your breath and experience.
Illuminate Your Soul:
Just as in photography, lighting wields unparalleled influence in design, casting its enchantment upon our minds. Magriñá proposes the installation of dimmable lighting as a restorative element to enrich your meditation. Dim the lights to delve into profound meditative states, or opt for brighter illumination to swiftly elevate your mood—a testament to lighting’s potent impact on our inner world.
In your quest for the ultimate meditation space, remember that perplexity and burstiness are the threads that weave a tapestry of tranquility. Craft your sanctuary with care, and may it become the sacred cocoon where you find solace, clarity, and harmony amidst life’s whirlwind.
