Does it make a difference where one meditates? Some say yes, and some say no. In my experience, creating a sacred space can be helpful in facilitating inner peace and a meditation practice, especially at first. Those who are sensitive to energies will appreciate the vibration created by making a space sacred. For example, even though I'm not religious, in my childhood I was always drawn to and in love with cathedrals, mosques, temples, and other spaces for prayer, worship, meditation, and peaceful congregation. These places were so peaceful, and I perceived a beautiful feeling in the space. It is exquisite to reserve a place exclusively for peace, and peace has a flavor that intensifies when concentrated. However, it's not necessary to depend on that space to meditate: You can take your practice wherever you go once it is established.
I consulted an expert, the Feng Shui Guy, also known as Ariel Town, to get some advice on creating a sacred space, and what that can entail. What I learned was mind expanding. Tune into our iChat here:
For more from the Feng Shui Guy, Ariel Towne, check out his new book, which I found to be a delightful guide to the inner and outer workings of energies: Serene Makeover: Inner Edition.
References:
http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/michael-cannell/cannell/your-brain-architecture
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=building-around-the-mind
http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/stress.html/#stressnoise
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/fight-or-flight/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001
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Danny and Katherine Dreyer: Walking as Meditation: Quiet Your Mind as You Improve Your Health
Ed and Deb Shapiro: Meditate to Boost Your Self-Esteem
Brendon Burchard: My Relaxation and Meditation Routine
N. E. Marsden: Having Difficulty Meditating? Try This
At first just getting ourselves to sit is enough challenge, so we create an inviting space, etc. But later we find that being able to sit in simple awareness in any situation is the real gift of meditation practice.
Great article! I would agree that a special place for meditation can be conducive to inner peace. I think there are 2 main reasons:
1) The place can set the tone for our meditation session. If we are surrounded by items that represent spirituality, such as statues of spiritual figures, incense and singing bowls, they will serve as constant reminders of what we’re trying to accomplish through our meditation.
2) The other reason is the level of noise and distractions. These will agitate our minds and make it more difficult to focus and relax.
When it comes to using music in our meditation, I tell students to use it sparingly. Soothing music can help relax if we are highly agitated. If our mind is fairly relaxed, it will become an obstacle to relaxing any further.
Charles A. Francis
The Mindfulness Meditation Institute
http://www.MindfulnessMeditationInstitute.org