Creating my meditation space has been super fun! Right now the space is super simple and I like the minimal look of it.. However, in the future I do plan to add some artwork! Creating a meditation space doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You really don’t even need all the things pictured, you can meditate anywhere as long as you have your breath. If you want to be consistent in a meditation practice I think it helps to have a dedicated space. Creating that space is all about catering to the 5 senses. Sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. Im going to simply explain what I mean below.

• Sight- You want a beautiful space, yes but you also want something you can focus on maybe its a picture of black Jesus or a Buddha statue.. or maybe you want to close your eyes so eye pillows or an eye mask may be helpful
• Smell- Whatever your choice if aromatherapy is go for it. Incense, sage, essential oils, candles, etc
• Hearing- Sound Bowl, Yoga Playlist, Gong, water fountain. Sounds that are calming and relaxing.
• Taste- Water or tea (is optional but I like to have it nearby)
• Touch- Mala Beads, blankets, pillows, cushions, or just your hands touching your heart, or hands touching each other

Although there are a lot fo different things that could go on in your meditation space, I think these 3 are absolutely necessary! A rug, a plant or something from nature and some type of aromatherapy!!!

A rug – Rugs separate spaces. The same way when you step on your yoga mat you know what time it is. When I step on this rug I know what time it is. Choose a rug that is comfortable and that can be easily cleaned! My rug is a lightweight rug from Ikea. I like it because its washable and just the right size and price.

A plant– Having something from nature is something most people say is optional but I think it is definitely a must have! Having something from nature in the space helps to you grounded. I think the type of plant is important as well. Don’t just go for looks here. If you want a bunch of plants that’s great but I do think a few of them should be air purifying plants!

Aromatherapy– Aromatherapy is the cheapest type of therapy you can get! lol The aroma components from natural products have been used for mental, spiritual and physical healing since the beginning of recorded history. Smells and scents can affect your mood. Whatever scents you are drawn to put them in your space. I recommend going for all natural scents and products!! No Febreze, Air Wicks, or perfume here!! We want clean pure air.. Try some natural incense, sage or Palo Santo, a diffuser, reed sticks, herb sachets, or candles.. You actually have a lot of options here!! Honestly once you stop using all the fake stuff you probably won’t ever go back to the fake chemical laden smells.

Heyy Boo Thang! I’m excited about this post! Maybe because its about Yoga and Sewing! Two of my favorite things!!! I used all my fabric scraps and made a meditation cushion. This year I wanted a dedicated mediation space and this cushion is the first thing I added to it!

I feel like I’ll probabaly have to do a whole series on meditation and creating a mediation space because there is so much I want to say! lol So first things first some of you may be wondering, what exactly is meditation?

This is a definition of Mediation from the National Institute of Health.

“Meditation is a mind and body practice that has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. Mind and body practices focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior.

There are many types of meditation, but most have four elements in common: a quiet location with as few distractions as possible; a specific, comfortable posture (sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions); a focus of attention (a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or the sensations of the breath); and an open attitude (letting distractions come and go naturally without judging them).”

Meditation is amazing and I suggest everyone start a meditation practice. Start with 5 minutes of mindful breathing a day. Before making this cushion I usually would just sit without one.. However, using a cushion is much more comfortable and I’m able to sit longer. If you feel sore, can’t sit too long, or can’t seem to stick to a meditation practice try getting a meditation cushion/pillow.

Meditation pillows have been used for centuries and yes you can use a regular pillow but it is not the same as a meditation cushion. Meditation cushions are usually filled firmer than regular pillows to allow for some added height to the pillow. A popular stuffing for meditation pillows is buckwheat hulls, however those can be kind of pricey if you are trying to fill an oversized cushion like mines.Instead I used fabric scraps. Using fabric scraps allows the cushion to be firm, have height, and support your spine.

Disclaimer: I do not think a cushion filled with fabric scraps is a replacement to one with buckwheat hulls. Although this one is pretty heavy and firm, the ones with buckwheat hulls will hold their shape better and for a longer period of time. So, I say if you have nothing use a pillow, that’s good, if you can make a cushion with scraps that’s better, if you can add buckwheat hulls or buy a pre-made one, that is best!

Here are a few benefits of using a meditation pillow:

• Pain relief in your joints/Increased comfort
• Portable/ Take it anywhere
• Longer meditation time
• Increased stability & flexibility
• Having a dedicated meditation space & more consistency
• Allow you to sit in the proper posture

I feel like I’ve always been pretty consistent with my meditation practice but having a dedicated space makes my practice more personal, the space is aesthetically pleasing, and just stepping on the mat lets me know its time to calm down. I didn’t really follow a specific tutorial to make this. It is 2 circles with a band in the middle to give it the extra height. I traced a sunhat for my circle. You can literally use any circle shaped item you want. My band is about 4-5 inches wide and I added an extra strip of fabric for the strap so it is easy to carry. You can also add a zipper if you want a removable/washable cover.

Please let me know if you make a meditation cushion or start a meditation practice this year!

Namaste!

This is a SUPER EASY and inexpensive craft! Those are my favorite kind! lol I never knew there was a whole world of people who use items from the Dollar Tree to create home decor! I’ve seen people create some cute decor and I’ve been inspired! I do believe your home/ living space affects your energy and your mood. Even if you don’t have a lot of money you can still create a space that is a reflection of you! As much as I would love to ball out at Home Goods, Target, and Anthropologie for home decor… I can’t just yet lol.. In the meantime I buy pieces from these stores here and there that I like and mix them in with D.I.Y items. I would suggest you go with essential items you know you aren’t going to make from these stores like throw blankets, comforters, headboards, lamps, wall art, larger furniture items.. Etc. If you can’t do big items buy some smaller items you think are cute or fit in with your decor like mugs, bookends, shelving, storage baskets, pillow covers, throw blankets, and plants!

If you mix the high and low items I feel like you get a perfect mix of modern, boho, chic. Which is what I love… So getting into the post. The Dollar Tree has small plain wooden boxes. Well it’s actually a little drawer but it is a small wooden box. I painted the box with black acrylic paint. I had a dowel already, from a previous project, however I would suggest using a dowel that is a bit thicker than this one, it will support your jute circle better! The Dollar Tree also sells dowels. You can also use a stand from another item you aren’t using anymore. I saw someone do this and put it on a metal stand, it was really cute.

Next, decide if you want to add trim, beads, string, fringe, or paint! As I mentioned I left this one really simple and didn’t add anything, that is how I was able to keep the cost at $2. lol I use a scrap piece of cardboard and hot glue the rope onto the cardboard, in a circle, and then cut the cardboard circle out. Next you glue your circle onto the dowel. Then glue your dowel onto the wooden box. Try not to use too much glue when gluing the dowel to the box, if you have a small bit of excess glue surrounding the bottom, wait until it dries and paint over it! That’s it!

What do you think? Would you add this to your space? Right now it is on a shelf in my sewing area!