From Storage Space To Meditation Room

Mural in meditation room

Meditation room decor

Meditation mat and cushion

Glass dry erase board

Before room makeover

Before room makeover

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Some people find inspiration in the shower, and others find it on a long walk. I find it as I settle down for the evening and prepare for bed. With no phone, TV, magazine or book to distract me, the proverbial light bulb goes off and I finally solve a problem I've been struggling with all day. But only when my mind is clear and relaxed.

Wanting to access that sense of clarity whenever I needed it, I began exploring meditation. It's a topic I plan to discuss in a future blog, so I won't go too far down the rabbit hole now.

I've tried meditating multiple times, but I haven't stuck with it. My decision to remodel the basement changed that. Originally, I planned to use a small (10ft x 4ft) windowless room for storage. But once the remodel was complete, I realized this was the perfect opportunity to create a meditation room and get serious about making it a part of my life.

If you're thinking of creating your own mediation space, here are some things you'll want to consider.

Identify the right spot

Your meditation space does not have to be an actual room. You could also use a closet or the corner of a room. It just needs to be a place where you can sit peacefully, uninterrupted, and focus.

Limit the clutter

Whether you choose to repurpose a room or use a portion of it, it should be free of clutter. Clutter takes up mental space, and that's the last thing you want to deal with when you're trying to clear your mind and center yourself. Think of your mediation space as your sanctuary and protect it.

Determine what your focal point will be

As you choose your decor, determine what you want your eyes to be drawn to. Will it be a collection of beautiful green plants, or a picture which brings you joy whenever you look at it? Whatever it is, that's the item you want to select first.

I decided to have a Photowall mural installed by an experienced wallpaper installer. I knew if I DIY'ed it and something went wrong, I would notice the issue every time I walked into the room. After looking through hundreds of options, I settled on the Green Beech Forest mural. Along with a plant cutting, it would provide my connection to nature. I also hung a wooden sign with the words "Take Time For What Matters Most" etched into it.

Set the mood with lighting

Have you ever been in a restaurant as they're transitioning to dinner service? If so, you may have noticed them dimming the lights to create the right atmosphere. You can create a similar feeling in your mediation space with the use of curtains, shades, lamps, wall sconces, candles (don't sleep on the flameless ones), or a dimmer.

I have two light sources: an overhead recessed light, and the light from my sound machine. Most of the time I keep them both on.

Envelope the space in sound

Like lighting, sound can also transform a room. Whether you prefer white, pink, green or brown noise, each can help you relax and drown out the distractions around you. The best way to explore different noises is with a sound machine. My current sound machine includes 30 different sounds, a timer and lighting.

If you prefer meditation music, try Eckhart Tolle's Music for Inner Stillness (2012). It's available as an audio download via his store, can be streamed on Spotify, and if you're lucky you might find a CD online. It is also great for drifting off to sleep.

Incorporate aromatherapy

Now that you've created the right ambience with lighting and sound, it's time to add the final layer - scent.

Did you know the scent of essential oils travel directly to the emotional center of our brains? If you are considering the use of essential oils, check out John Hopkins Medicine's Aromatherapy: Do Essential Oils Really Work? It offers guidance of selecting and safely using these oils.

You can also use wall plugins, candles, incense, diffusers. and even houseplants to make your meditation space smell great. Candles and diffusers are my favorites. However, if you choose to light a candle or burn incense, do so in a well-ventilated room, follow the product instructions, and do not leave it unattended.

Select your meditation mat, cushion or chair

If you aren't comfortable in your mediation space, you won't use it. Whether you use a mat, cushion, chair, or some combination of all three, it must be comfortable to sit on. This is especially important as our bodies change and age. I selected a Walden mediation cushion and mat.

Determine how you will store items

If you plan to keep inspirational reading materials, music, diffusers, or any other items in your meditation space, you need a place to store them. This will help to reduce clutter and keep things organized. Repurposing an existing piece of furniture, adding a shelf or placing items in a basket are all great choices.

Given my small footprint, I chose to install two floating shelves. It left valuable floor space free and helped to create the illusion of space. I also installed a glass whiteboard where I can make notes when inspiration strikes.

Take time for what matters most

I've spent years not heeding the advice etched into my wooden sign. In fact, when I brought the sign home, I put it in a corner. Where it sat for years while I searched for the perfect spot. After the mural was installed, the first thing I did was hang the sign. Now each time I walk into the room, I pause and read the sign. It's a simple but important reminder.