Zen Den: Create A Tiny Meditation Space

Creating a tiny meditation space in your home can be a great way to promote relaxation and peace of mind. It doesn't have to be a large area – even a small corner or bookshelf can be transformed into a spiritual sanctuary. The key is to keep the space simple and free from clutter, with comfortable seating and soft textures. Natural elements such as plants, essential oils, and crystals can help to create a calming atmosphere, while soft lighting and meditative music can enhance the relaxing ambiance. Embracing natural sounds, such as the breeze or birds chirping, and incorporating your personality through meaningful objects can also make your tiny meditation space more special.

Choose a feel-good space

The first step to creating a tiny meditation space is to choose a room or area in your home that makes you feel good. This could be a room that makes you smile when you walk into it, or a quiet room with limited traffic. If you don't have an entire room to spare, don't worry! Your meditation space can be as small as a corner on a bookshelf or a nook by a window.

When selecting your space, consider the lighting. Natural light can instantly enhance your mood and help you relax. Choose a room that gets plenty of sunlight, especially during the time of day you plan to meditate. If possible, opt for a room with a view of the sunset—what a beautiful way to begin your meditation practice!

If you can't find an indoor space that meets these criteria, consider taking your meditation practice outdoors. This could be your patio, deck, or even a spot in your floral garden. Find a place that allows you to relax your mind and body without distractions.

Once you've chosen your feel-good space, it's time to start designing your tiny meditation area. Keep the décor minimal and avoid clutter to create a serene and peaceful environment that helps you focus.

Adopt versatile seating

When creating a tiny meditation space, seating is an important consideration. You'll want to ensure that your seating is comfortable and versatile, especially if you plan to use the space for activities like meditation or prayer, which are typically done in a seated position.

• Consider different types of seating options: Depending on your preferences and the amount of space you have, you can opt for a full armchair, a simple pillow or cushion on the floor, or a specialised meditation chair. Meditation chairs are designed to provide comfort and support for various sitting positions, such as cross-legged, squatting, or kneeling. They often feature adjustable heights, backrests, and recline angles to accommodate different needs.
• Look for foldable or adjustable options: Choose seating that can be easily adjusted, folded, or tucked away when not in use. This helps optimise your space, especially if you have limited room. The Zafuko Zafu meditation cushion, for example, is a foldable cushion from Thailand that can be adjusted in height and stored under a chair or in a closet.
• Prioritise comfort and support: Ensure that your seating option provides adequate comfort and support for your body. Look for features like adjustable back support, lumbar support, or thick cushioning. Some chairs even have wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
• Incorporate soft textures and fabrics: Soft textures, cushions, and blankets not only create a cosy atmosphere but also provide functional comfort. They can help you feel relaxed and supported during your meditation practice.
• Utilise floor seating: If space is limited, consider using floor seating options such as cushions, pillows, or foldable chairs. These can be easily moved around and stacked when not in use, making them versatile and space-saving choices.
• Customise to your needs: Take into account your personal preferences and needs when selecting seating. If you require additional back support, for instance, choose a chair or cushion that provides ample back support and is adjustable to your comfort level.

Ban the altar clutter

A meditation space altar can quickly become cluttered with inspirational books, posters, statues, and other meaningful objects. To prevent this, carefully curate your altar with only the items that truly help your meditative practice. This may mean having no religious or significant objects at all, or periodically going through your items and decluttering.

Your altar is an outer representation of your inner attunement. It is a way of honouring yourself by having a place that is solely yours and represents your ideals. Keeping your altar space clear and clean of debris and clutter will have a positive effect on your energy and mood.

When deciding what to include on your altar, choose items that are significant to you and bring you feelings of celebration, peace, love, or inspiration. For example, a bracelet your child made for you, or a handkerchief passed down from your great-grandfather.

You can also represent the five elements of nature on your altar to harmonise the nature around and within you. For instance, live flowers in a vase represent the earth and water elements, while candles represent the fire, air, and space elements.

If you are trying to manifest something in your life, choose objects that symbolise that area of focus. For example, if you seek financial security, you can place a few coins or dollar bills on a windowsill, along with pictures of what you would do if you were financially secure, such as buying a home or going on vacation.

Embrace natural sounds

A key aspect of creating a tiny meditation space is curating the soundscape. The aim is to minimise distracting sounds and instead embrace natural sounds. Start by turning off any potential sources of noise pollution, such as the TV, computer, or your phone. If you need to keep your phone on, there are apps and YouTube channels offering guided meditations or natural sounds, such as a gentle breeze, birdsong, or the soft trickle of a stream.

Natural sounds can have a profound impact on our sense of calm and can help us to relax and focus our minds. If you're meditating inside, opening a window can help you connect with nature and bring the outdoors in. The sound of the wind blowing through the trees, birds chirping, or the soft patter of rain can create a peaceful atmosphere.

If you're seeking a more controlled soundscape, you could try hanging a wind chime either inside or outside your meditation space. Wind chimes create a soothing melody as the wind blows, adding a gentle, natural sound to your environment. Alternatively, you could try playing recordings of natural sounds, such as those found on YouTube or dedicated meditation apps. These can include sounds like forest waterfalls, gentle streams, or calming ocean waves.

By embracing natural sounds and minimising distractions, you can create a peaceful atmosphere that enhances your meditation experience and allows you to fully relax and focus your mind.

Play meditative music

Playing meditative music is an excellent way to enhance your tiny meditation space. Music is a powerful tool that can help you relax, focus, and create a calming atmosphere. When selecting music for your meditation practice, opt for calming and soothing sounds that will help you clear your mind and relax your body.

There are many types of meditative music to choose from, and you can explore various options to find what resonates with you. You can find meditative music on YouTube, or other streaming platforms, with some specific artists to look out for, including Peder B. Helland, who has a "Beautiful Meditation Music Playlist" and "Deep Relaxing Music for Sleep and Meditation".

You can also explore different genres within meditative music, such as nature sounds, instrumental music, chants, or even silence. Nature sounds, like flowing water, birdsong, or gentle wind, can create a peaceful atmosphere and help you connect with the natural world. Instrumental music, on the other hand, can provide a gentle backdrop without lyrics that may distract you. Chants, such as Om chanting or Tibetan singing bowls, can also help you focus and reach a meditative state.

Additionally, don't be afraid to experiment with silence. While it may seem counterintuitive, silence can be a powerful tool for meditation, allowing you to focus on your breath and the present moment without any external stimuli.

When creating your tiny meditation space, consider playing meditative music to enhance your practice. Whether you choose calming instrumentals, nature sounds, chants, or silence, the right music can make all the difference in helping you relax, focus, and achieve a deeper state of meditation.

Frequently asked questions