When building a meditation (and/or) pranayama (breathwork) practice, a comfortable physical space is crucial for cultivating the fullest benefits.
As neural pathways are continuously rewiring inside your brain through practice, the stability of an intentional hub for where your practice occurs will help your mind and body ease more readily into the process necessary for connecting to your self & breath. Think of it as a tolerance builder (and good ol' classical conditioning) to the unwanted distractions and noise - Utilizing this space consistently will shield you from mind chatter faster and the closer you associate this space as the home base for meditation and mindfulness, the simpler your transition into a tranquil state of being will seem.
The questionnaire below will guide you in identifying an in-home location most reasonable for you. The goal is to commit to and dedicate this space as your very own "mindflow hub" for unwinding the mind. This may be followed by optional steps of personalization (below).
Identifying the Location of your In-Home Mindflow Hub
Begin by reflecting on the various nooks and corners available to you throughout your personal space.
With each of these in mind, answer the following:
1) Is this a fairly unexplored space I can comfortably sit in?
Stay open to the option of using a pillow, bolster, blanket or block to ease any discomfort.
2) Does it provide me with a quiet, atmosphere for a minimum of 10 minutes? (time of day may vary)
Relative to your location - If you live in a metropolitan area where sirens and honks every couple of minutes are inevitable, consider using ear plugs, noise cancellation headphones or play some calming music or mantras.
3) Is this a clutter-free space? If no, is there potential for it to clear up?
Think small. This space only needs to be big enough to fit your sitting body comfortably, so don't worry if that chair or stack of books is a foot away. It does help however, if you can be facing a clutter-free space to minimize the distraction levels.
4) Is this a space I am able to commit to visiting daily?
If you're still having trouble identifying a space, consider whether the space in front of a (non-trafficked) closed door can serve you with enough room to comfortably sit. When I lived with roommates, I dedicated my bedroom's door-opening space as my "mindflow hub" and it worked out great (as long as I didn't have unexpected visitors peaking in during a practice!).
What is seen, cannot be unseen.
Personalizing your Mindflow Hub
Once you identify a location, choose how to express your commitment to this space and your practice. While the goal of the practice is to build non-attachment, it can help build and maintain motivation to have a welcoming space to sit in.
I've shared a few of my personal decor ideas below to spark inspiration and I highly encourage you to explore and switch up the optional 'decor' as you better acquaint with the space and your practice's needs.
Candle - Soy or beeswax. Avoid the colorful and highly-scented types as these are usually made of paraffin wax which is carcinogenic when burned, meaning highly toxic and unsafe for your body
Journal - If you love to write or doodle, you may find that doing so after a meditation session is refreshing and easier to flow into with a quieter mind. Or you may be inspired to write down a mantra or a note of gratitude (see #4)
Book of mantras, meditations, poems or inspirational short stories
Gratitude jar - Drop a note into it after your practice or sift through old notes to hone in on the benefits of practice. DIY with a mason jar, ribbon, colorful paper, a pen and an open heart
5. Painting, drawing, trinkets or talisman - A physical reminder of what is significant to you and your practice. My personal favorite is a print by Eva Ruiz's 'Weaving Dreams' from 2009.
6. Essential Oils and/or Incense - Aromatherapy is scientifically shown to increase awareness and enhance relaxation and the act of burning incense can serve for nourishing your intention of spiritual healing and inducing positive energy into your practice.
For grounding and centering, consider using scents like Vetiver, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli
For energy, consider Sweet Orange, Grapefruit and Eucalyptus
For relaxation and winding down, consider Clary Sage, Lavender, or Chamomile My personal favorites include Honeysuckle, Rose, and Sweet Orange
Wishing plentiful calm your way in your new humble, mindful mindflowing abode.
We'd love to see what you come up with! Tag or post a photo of your own @mindflow360