Dear Landing,
After being home for so long, I’ve finally gotten into meditation! Any tips for encouraging my practice at home, especially while we’re still sheltering-in-place?
Signed,
Finally Zen’d Out
Dear Finally Zen’d out,
We feel calmer just hearing from you! We love meditation not only for its benefits, but also as an activity that requires minimal space and few additional items outside of what’s already in your home.
Below are some tips outside of the typical app recommendations (though if you need those - try Calm, Headspace, SimpleHabit, or Inscape), for encouraging your practice at home!
Create your Zen Den: Finding a space to meditate that is free of distractions (especially in close quarters) or creating a space that feels different can be hard. However, the great thing about meditation is that you need very little space in general.
If you prefer to meditate seated, the key here is being able to sit comfortably, with your feet ideally flat on the floor (if you’re not seated on the floor itself). This could mean a dining room chair or simply sitting crossed-legged on any cushion or on the ground. If you prefer lying down, a yoga mat with a blanket on top is a simple way to create a space that is distinct from your bed or couch.
Candles or aromatherapy are a great way to add some visual and aromatic change to your space. If you don’t have access to essential oils or a diffuser, a cup of hot herbal tea can do the trick! Taking a few deep breaths close to the steam can be a great way to center yourself before meditation. Sitting in the sunlight or by an open window and allowing yourself to feel the warmth or breeze on your face is also a nice way to add a physical aspect to your practice.
Join a virtual meditation class: If you are just beginning, a virtual meditation class can be a great way to mix up or kickstart your practice. Similar to a workout class, virtual meditation classes use a live instructor to guide you which can feel more engaging and motivating than an app.
Two options we love are Chorus Meditation and Open, both based in our hometown of SF but available virtually anywhere! Both offer combined breathwork and meditation classes with donation-based admission at multiple times throughout the week.
Design a home meditation retreat: If you’re ready for some more focused practice, consider designing your own at-home meditation retreat. We’ve tried it on a Saturday morning, which is a great way to center after a long week and start your weekend.
The beauty of an at-home retreat is you can modify based on your preferences or your day — the key is pushing through to the end once you commit! You can find many guided meditations online (personally, I love Tara Brach) or can use your favorite meditation app.
If you want more tips on creating a home meditation retreat, including suggestions for other schedules, we love this article by meditation teacher, Jack Kornfield.
Of course, inevitably you might find it difficult to motivate. If that’s the case, check out our blog post on using space to encourage routine to help you continue on your practice.
Let us know how that works and if you have any other meditation tips!
Stay calm and create mental space,
Alex and The Landing Team
