Mindful Living
Incorporating Meditation Zones into Several Rooms
I have been an interior designer for over 30 years, yet I have only truly started to design with a new purpose for life since 2020 and after surviving Stage 3 breast cancer at the same time.
“Embrace the present moment, for it is the canvas on which we paint our lives.
Design your surroundings, and life to nurture your body, mind, soul and relationships with love and care.
In this journey, remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity,
allowing you to shine your brightest and live your fullest life.”
Maria Elena Holguin
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and mindfulness can be challenging. Today I have several friends & collaborators showing us how they created dedicated meditation zones in different areas of their homes to help cultivate a sense of calm and tranquility throughout their day.
- Living Room: The heart of Mindfulness
The living room is often the most active space in a home, making it a perfect place to introduce a meditation corner.
- Identify a quiet corner and decorate it with soft cushions, a cozy chair, incense, and your favorite throw.
- Add some indoor plants to bring nature in and enhance the calming atmosphere.
- Use floor lamps or mood lamps to create a warm, inviting glow.
Beatrice Zuluaga ordered this beautiful chair for her condo so she can have a special place to read, meditate or look out at the Miami sunsets. Unbeknownst to her, there was a pandemic around the corner and once the quarantine was announced she quickly cancelled the chair thinking that hard financial times might be coming.
What is meant to be will happen and the chair was delivered!
The furniture vendor told her to keep the chair because it was impossible to return with the lockdown. She rested here when she got Covid, it provided her comfort and solace during difficult times, she meditates, and it brought her peace during chaos. She curled up and cried wondering what was going to happen to the world.
This chair has become more than a piece of furniture,” says Beatrice. ”It has become a symbol of resilience, hope and gratitude. It reminds me of the strength within, importance of finding moments of peace and reflection even in the darkest of times”
2. Bathroom: A spa-like retreat
Transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat where you can unwind and meditate like Beatrice did, here she added:
- Bath salts, essential oils, and candles to create a relaxing environment for meditation in the tub.
- Incorporate natural elements like bamboo, stones, or plants to enhance the tranquil vibe.
- Install dimmable lighting or use candles to create a calming ambiance.
- A art piece of a Buddha or you can add a scenery that you would unwind with
3. Bedroom: A sanctuary of Rest & Reflection:
For me, my day begins with meditation and journaling in bed and I love “The 5 minute journal” by intelligentchange
I feel that bedrooms need to include at least these basics to make it as serene as possible.
- A great mattress – After years of selling mattresses to clients I always recommend
- Kingsdown Mattress which also make a lot of the other brand mattresses.
- Besides your sleeping pillows you need a couple of prop-up pillows so you can easily sit up to meditate and journal. You can see our favorite pillows on Unlocking the Power of Sleep that we did on the power of sleep and/or on the Instagram reel when hubby and I were having pillow fights.
- Three types of lighting: overhead, night lights and candles for mood lighting
- A basket with essential oils and some crystals.
4. Outdoor – Connecting with Nature:
Meditating outdoors is a powerful practice to connect with your higher self. Immersed in the natural world, you become attuned to the gentle whispers of the wind, the rustling leaves, chirping of birds, and the rhythmic flow of water, creating a serene backdrop for inner reflection.
This setting enhances your ability to focus, as the vibrant energy of nature grounds you, aligning your mind, body, and spirit. As you breathe deeply, the fresh air invigorates your senses, allowing you to transcend daily worries and access a deeper state of consciousness. Through this connection with nature, you tap into a wellspring of inner wisdom and clarity, fostering a profound sense of peace and alignment with your true self.
- Garden: Perfect backdrop to practice mindful living. Set up a comfortable chair, some wind chimes and a water feature and you have a little piece of heaven in your backyard.
- Balcony: No matter how small your balcony is you can create a small private nook with these few steps:
- Bamboo blinds or privacy screen
- A very comfortable chair and ottoman with water resistant materials like Sunbrella fabrics at https://www.sunbrella.com/browse-fabrics/fabrics-by-use/all-fabrics
- Add potted plants and small water feature to bring in nature
- Soft gentle lighting and candles (you can add these twinkle lights on a dimmer)
- Poolside: Creating a peaceful meditation area by your poolside can greatly enhance your relaxation and mindfulness practice. Here’s a list of items to consider:
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- Comfortable chaise, meditation mat or hammock
- Shade Structure like a pergola, umbrella, or canopy
- Outdoor Rug: Adds comfort and defines the meditation space.
- Low Table: for candles, incense, or essential oils
- A Blanket or Throw: For added comfort
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With these items, your poolside meditation area can become a tranquil oasis for relaxation and inner peace.
For Shanelle Papy connecting with nature, practicing yoga and meditation is fundamental. She has found a spot in her home on the floor where she can look out and see the lake, beautiful skies and soaring mountains.
“Spirituality is not religion. It is a path for us to generate happiness, understanding, and love, so we can live deeply each moment of our life.”
Having a spiritual dimension in our lives does not mean escaping life or dwelling in a place of bliss outside this world but discovering ways to handle life’s difficulties and generate peace, joy, and happiness right where we are on this beautiful planet.” Thich Nhat Hanh
5. Home Office: Finding Focus and Clarity
- My friend Zaily incorporated a meditation zone into her home office to help her stay focused and clear-headed during work hours.
- Desk: She dedicated a small corner of her desk to meditation, with items like candles, plants, a stress ball, and essential oil diffuser.
- Breaktime Chair: She has a separate comfortable chair (or you can use a floor cushion) for quick meditation breaks to refresh her mind.
- Soundscapes: Play gentle, calming music or nature sounds to create a peaceful work environment.
6. Creating a Prayer Closet
A small, dedicated prayer closet can be a very intimate and personal space for your spiritual practice and a wonderful way to carve out a sacred space for reflection, meditation, and prayer. Here are some steps to help you set up your prayer closet:
- Find a small quiet space in your home or repurpose a storage area.
- Remove everything out of the space and paint a white or light color
- Add some floor cushions and possibly a small rug
- Include a small table for prayer books, pens, notepads and soft lighting (candles not recommended for such small spaces)
- Adorn the walls with simple personal and spiritual items like prayer beads, scripture or inspirational quotes.
- Keep it simple and clutter free
Notes:
Daily Practices
- Mindful Breathing: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and then exhale slowly.
- Meditation: Set aside time each day for meditation. It could be as short as five minutes.
- Gratitude Journaling: Keep a journal where you write down things you’re grateful for each day. This practice can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.
- Mindful Eating: Eat without distractions. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and colors of your food. Chew slowly and savor each bite.
- Mindful Walking: Take walks and focus on the sensations of walking, the feeling of the ground under your feet, the movement of your body, and your surroundings.
Lifestyle Changes
- Simplify Your Space: Declutter your living and working spaces. A clean, organized environment can help reduce stress and increase focus.
- Digital Detox: Limit your screen time, especially on social media. Designate specific times for checking your devices and avoid them during meals and before bedtime.
- Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors. Whether it’s a hike, a walk in the park, or simply sitting in your garden, nature can be very grounding and rejuvenating.
Final Thoughts
Designing a meditation or prayer space in your home is a personal journey. It’s about creating a haven where you can escape the stresses of daily life and connect with your inner self or a higher power. Remember, the most important aspect is how the space makes you feel. Tailor it to your needs, keep it simple, and fill it with items that bring you comfort, serenity, and peace. Happy meditating and praying!