I’ve always felt that the spaces we live in have a significant effect on the way we feel - and this isn’t just an intellectual idea. We are, in some small way, responding to everything we encounter on the physical plane at every moment, whether we are aware of it or not.
The energy of a space can uplift or drain us and when we’re tuned into these subtleties, it can be remarkable to notice just how much our surroundings affect our mind and body. The experience of entering a calm, beautiful room can feel completely different to stepping into one that is cluttered or chaotic. In a spacious, considered environment, we can literally feel our body soften and relax. We feel like we can breathe again and there is room to notice things and take in the details around us.
This was actually one of the ideas that inspired me to set up Sati in the first place. I wanted to create beautiful meditation cushions that went beyond function. I wanted our cushions to feel soulful and inspiring - cushions that could become part of your everyday life and invite you to sit down and pause.
I think the objects we choose to surround ourselves are incredibly important and although a peaceful, beautiful and considered home won’t magically make everything feel peaceful, it can create the conditions for us to feel more at ease.
Our homes offer us the opportunity to create small pockets of calm that we can return to whenever we need them.
Creating a space for yourself
It goes without saying that life doesn’t always allow for a beautifully calm, minimalist home (especially if there are children in the mix!) Unless you have a cleaner, a lot of spare time or a very high level of discipline (!) there are probably always going to be a few things lying around that shouldn’t be there. This is real life after all!
But we don't need the whole house to be perfectly calm in order to carve a little space out for ourselves - sometimes one small corner is enough.
I have a meditation space set up in the corner of my tiny bedroom and it has become a very special part of my home, despite its humble size.
Having a space that is intentionally set aside for meditation has been revolutionary for me. My meditation cushions are always there waiting for me, so I don’t have to think about where I’m going to sit or spend time setting everything up. I just arrive, sit down and begin and this is how I start and end my day.
Over time, I think these spaces can start to hold a sense of familiarity too. When we come back to the same place again and again for meditation, it becomes easier to associate that space with slowing down and turning inwards. The atmosphere becomes infused with peace and focus which is so supportive to our practice.
Seeing my meditation cushions in the corner always reminds me that I could stop for a few minutes if I want and in the midst of a busy day, this is a comforting prospect. I don’t always take the opportunity of course but the invitation is there.
I think this is the real beauty of creating a sacred space at home - it doesn’t have to be perfectly styled, it just needs to feel like somewhere you want to spend some time; somewhere that evokes a sense of intention and care.
How to create your own sacred space
Find somewhere that feels right
As lovely as it would be to have a whole room to dedicate to meditation and reflection, this is rarely possible. Sometimes a corner of your bedroom, a quiet spot in the living room or a little space beside your bed works perfectly. I sometimes think the snug, tucked-away spaces are actually the best. Look for somewhere where you’re unlikely to be constantly interrupted and where you naturally feel comfortable.
Clear some space
Don’t worry, you don’t need to declutter your entire home first! Just clearing a small area will make a big difference. Remove anything that feels distracting and give yourself enough room to sit comfortably.
Choose a few meaningful things
This is the fun bit; where you can make the space your own. Perhaps you have a meditation cushion, a candle, some incense, a plant, flowers or an object that is meaningful to you. You could place these on the floor, a little side table or a low-level shelf beside you.
You don’t need lots of things - just a few that help create a feeling of peace and grounding.
Think about the senses
A space can become more inviting through simple details. Soft light, the scent of incense or the soft texture of a cushion can all help create a feeling of transition between the busyness of everyday life and some spaciousness.
Give yourself a reason to return
Creating an intentional space can make a meditation practice much easier to maintain. If you struggle with consistency, this can be a lovely way to look after your future self. Over time, the space becomes associated with going inwards and finding that sense of ease, making it that little bit easier to return again and again.
The important thing is that it becomes somewhere you want to return to.
It doesn’t have to be perfect
While it's nice to aspire to a space that feels minimal and beautifully-curated, this isn't always possible and we have to work with what we've got.
Your space might be tucked into the corner of a small bedroom (like mine) or it can be simple and slightly wonky. It can even have some laundry piled up somewhere nearby! I think the most important thing is that it feels like yours and that it feels cosy and inviting.
For me, creating a sacred space is a physical reminder to take care of my mind. That is what Sati was created for too - to make objects that become part of everyday life and remind us to pause, breathe and take the time to look after ourselves.
Often we don’t need to change very much, we just need to make some room for ourselves within the life we already have 🕊️
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