How to make my meditation nook as comfy and nice as possible
October 4, 2020 9:33 PM Subscribe
I have a strange nook in my bedroom that I decided to put my meditation cushion in for sitting practice. Here is a picture of the nook in question. How can I make this space extraordinarily pleasant and conducive to meditation practice?
It's kind of a strange nook because you can't stand up in it. It's right off to the side of my bed in the corner of the room.
I bought some incense that will be really nice. Do you have any other ideas for how to make this a really cozy spot?
It's kind of a strange nook because you can't stand up in it. It's right off to the side of my bed in the corner of the room.
I bought some incense that will be really nice. Do you have any other ideas for how to make this a really cozy spot?
Plants
posted by aniola at 9:58 PM on October 4, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by aniola at 9:58 PM on October 4, 2020 [7 favorites]
Himalayan salt lamp!
posted by pazazygeek at 10:01 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by pazazygeek at 10:01 PM on October 4, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'd wallpaper it! You can get way more styles of small-batch wallpaper than you could ever want on Spoonflower.
posted by babelfish at 10:03 PM on October 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by babelfish at 10:03 PM on October 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
Hang pretty wall tapestries or scarves!
posted by DTMFA at 10:23 PM on October 4, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by DTMFA at 10:23 PM on October 4, 2020 [3 favorites]
Def paint it a nice calming color
posted by bq at 10:34 PM on October 4, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by bq at 10:34 PM on October 4, 2020 [7 favorites]
I would be tempted to pad the top of the space to soften the inevitable head bumps.
I'd also want to demarcate the space on the floor somehow, to make it a more separated area, a more protected and special space. Maybe with a rug or a throw on the floor, or some kind of line on the floor. I would probably extend the floor throw/rug a little outside the threshold if it wouldn't cause tripping in the larger room -- this would give the space a little bit of buffer from the outside world.
I might also place a picture hanger or a tiny, tiny shelf on the wall so that I could cycle through different small pieces of art as the mood moved me. That said, you could just use a small piece of tape or a 3M Command strip to hang a printout of a flower, or a beautiful greeting card, on the wall opposite where you sit. No need to make it permanent; it's a small space, and there are lots of little beautiful things you can bring in with you to make the space warmer. And, sometimes, a white, clean wall is a lovely companion.
posted by amtho at 12:17 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'd also want to demarcate the space on the floor somehow, to make it a more separated area, a more protected and special space. Maybe with a rug or a throw on the floor, or some kind of line on the floor. I would probably extend the floor throw/rug a little outside the threshold if it wouldn't cause tripping in the larger room -- this would give the space a little bit of buffer from the outside world.
I might also place a picture hanger or a tiny, tiny shelf on the wall so that I could cycle through different small pieces of art as the mood moved me. That said, you could just use a small piece of tape or a 3M Command strip to hang a printout of a flower, or a beautiful greeting card, on the wall opposite where you sit. No need to make it permanent; it's a small space, and there are lots of little beautiful things you can bring in with you to make the space warmer. And, sometimes, a white, clean wall is a lovely companion.
posted by amtho at 12:17 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
I like to meditate on objects and ikon-ish images, so if it were mine I'd do as amtho suggests and add a small shelf cum altar. 2nding also pictures and tape.
posted by bertran at 1:33 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by bertran at 1:33 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Oh, a shelf is also good for candles, if that appeals to you.
posted by bertran at 1:46 AM on October 5, 2020
posted by bertran at 1:46 AM on October 5, 2020
I’d make a padded floor covering that fills the space edge to edge, like maybe a tatami or foam mat with a quilted cover. That would separate the space without something like a curtain. Definitely cover the walls - if it were me I’d find beautiful fabric and use upholstery tacks to stick it to the walls, but you could paint it your most calming color, or something cozy, or draw all over it as desired. A small shelf for an altar or whatever applies to your practice is a great idea. Maybe just something as simple as a wooden storage box that you paint to blend with the rest of the nook, and you can keep extra incense etc inside, or a floating shelf if you want to maximize the floor space.
posted by Mizu at 2:12 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Mizu at 2:12 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
an altar of some kind, which needn't be anything more than a shelf of objects meaningful to you
something to mark the threshold so that the space invokes a feeling of entering into an intention (tatami mats would look and feel good)
personally, other than painting the walls a mild color conducive for you, I'd keep them pretty neutral, but I'm coming from a Zen practice where "facing the wall" is a thing and one isn't looking for ornamentation that's going to stir up the mind (it'll stir plenty on its own)
posted by kokaku at 3:19 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
something to mark the threshold so that the space invokes a feeling of entering into an intention (tatami mats would look and feel good)
personally, other than painting the walls a mild color conducive for you, I'd keep them pretty neutral, but I'm coming from a Zen practice where "facing the wall" is a thing and one isn't looking for ornamentation that's going to stir up the mind (it'll stir plenty on its own)
posted by kokaku at 3:19 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Here to second plants! If it were mine, I'd have a large-ish floor plant (like a banana plant) and then screw a hook to the ceiling and use a plant pot hanger (I love macrame ones) to hang something dangly, like a spider plant or a fern.
posted by greenish at 3:36 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by greenish at 3:36 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
I think it may be difficult to get plants to grow in there, though I agree they would be good. A alternative is covering one wall with a photographic wallpaper depicting a beautiful (to you) landscape (the link is to a random site that was at the top of my search). A friend of mine had one in her basement room, and it was surprisingly effective for giving a rather sad room a feeling of nature and light. Another thing that means a lot is lighting. Maybe splurge on a plafond lamp with one of those bulbs where you can regulate the light colors and strength, but hang it on a wall instead of the ceiling.
I like Mizu's ideas, too
posted by mumimor at 3:56 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
I like Mizu's ideas, too
posted by mumimor at 3:56 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
A footstool or small bench would fit, and you could light a candle. In such a small space, a small candle, and not very much incense, so air quality is not degraded. Small vase, single flower or branch.
posted by theora55 at 8:05 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by theora55 at 8:05 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you all!!! I love these ideas!!
posted by vocativecase at 8:14 AM on October 5, 2020
posted by vocativecase at 8:14 AM on October 5, 2020
Do something with the walls. Scarves, tapestries, images you like, mirrors, artwork, someone with a set of sharpies who wants to draw an all-over pattern. I'd also suggest a beaded curtain to demarcate the space without making it dark.
posted by bile and syntax at 8:16 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by bile and syntax at 8:16 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Just be careful about combining candles with copious soft furnishings eg. carpets, scarves, tapestries etc! (Source: Former local newspaper reporter who used to get sent to cover house fires and as a result never, ever burns candles at home...)
posted by penguin pie at 10:47 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by penguin pie at 10:47 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'd put a prayer rug on the floor, and a small (glass) floating shelf to hold your incense burner and an icon or photo. Just make it your own!
posted by wearyaswater at 11:23 AM on October 5, 2020
posted by wearyaswater at 11:23 AM on October 5, 2020
A bell / gong / singing bowl can be a nice meditation aid.
I assume you have a timer setup you like?
Some sort of lap blanket, if the space is cool. Can also be folded for posture support (e.g. under knees, between ankles or other bony bits)
posted by momus_window at 11:47 AM on October 5, 2020
I assume you have a timer setup you like?
Some sort of lap blanket, if the space is cool. Can also be folded for posture support (e.g. under knees, between ankles or other bony bits)
posted by momus_window at 11:47 AM on October 5, 2020
Hanging fairy lights, shelves with little important things on them so you can stare/focus if that is how your practice works. An area rug. Wall coverings. Even more pillows.
posted by jessamyn at 12:54 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 12:54 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
A small wind chime or water fountain. A soft blanket. Beads or rosary or other small things that feel good in your hands. If you don’t want to burn candles or incense, a reed diffuser would also work.
posted by yawper at 8:01 PM on October 5, 2020
posted by yawper at 8:01 PM on October 5, 2020
IAAZ, YMNBAZ (I am a Zen, you may not be a Zen)
What is your sitting practice? "meditation" is as broad a term as "exercise" so your context is very helpful.
For me, "conducive to meditation practice" is a space free of distraction where I can go face a wall or the floor or the outside. I am fond of incense so I'll make an effort to burn incense.
posted by nixon's meatloaf at 10:07 AM on October 9, 2020
What is your sitting practice? "meditation" is as broad a term as "exercise" so your context is very helpful.
For me, "conducive to meditation practice" is a space free of distraction where I can go face a wall or the floor or the outside. I am fond of incense so I'll make an effort to burn incense.
posted by nixon's meatloaf at 10:07 AM on October 9, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 9:54 PM on October 4, 2020 [4 favorites]