Day 7 of IDJSIJ Challenge - Set the Scene

Yesterday on Day 6 of my challenge,  I talked about props and why you don’t necessarily need to run out and purchase a bunch of stuff before you practice. Today’s post is about why you should make a special space in your home for relaxation, but that you don’t need to start getting quotes from contractors in order to do so. But if you are itching for an expensive home project, don’t let me stop you!

I’m not saying that it won’t work if you do your restorative practice wherever you are, or if you decide the middle of the living room while people are walking around is fine for you.  Go ahead and try it out. I find that having a space dedicated for practice makes me more likely to do it and less likely to experience distraction.

For me, solitude and sound control are necessary for success. I happen to have an enclosed space for myself in this house, but in my old house, I used a corner of my bedroom. My meditation cushion was set up facing the window, and I had my favorite tools in reach – mat, candle, incense, notes for practice, and yoga images. I could pack it into a nearby drawer if I needed to, but I was more likely to sit and do my practice if everything was ready to go.

I encourage you to set a dedicated space for your restorative practice in this way. It doesn’t need to take up a lot of room. It does need to be unique to you and to hold the items that you associate with peace and stillness. That could mean you have a chair in the corner of the living room with your blankets draped over the back and a mat rolled away behind it. Other objects that could lend comfort to your space include flowers or plants, nature scenes, aromatherapy candle or diffuser, or incense.

Whatever you choose, let the sight of it be an experience of beauty. Experiencing beauty is one sure way to silent the mind and touch the heart. And isn't that the real point of our practice?