Sometimes life is a busy, messy, distracting jumble of thoughts and events and to-do lists. It’s times like that when you doze off at your desk from being overworked and overstressed. Suddenly you’re in the Bahamas, sipping a Strawberry Daiquiri and getting a suntan – until you wake up, that is. Unfortunately, you can’t always sneak off to the real Bahamas. Tight finances, a busy family schedule, or an inability to take days from work might prevent it. In those cases, what you need is a staycation in your home.
Initially, the idea of a staycation in your home might seem silly, but dedicating a room specifically to Zen attitudes, relaxation, and meditation can improve your outlook and decrease your stress. Every time you pass this room, you can be reminded to take a few minutes for yourself.
But how do you create the perfect Zen space for reflection? Here are some points to consider:
- Color – Like most rooms, the first thing to consider for a zen space is the color. It would be easy to say such-and-such is the perfect meditation color, but there is no such thing. While pastel colors may invoke peace and tranquility for some, neutral or even darker tones may accomplish the same for others. Look through swatches of color to see which helps you mind relax and makes you happy.
- Minimalism – Generally speaking, a Zen space should be free of distractions. This minimalist approach means enforcing an electronic-free zone. No tv, no laptop, and no cell phone.
- Contours – Smooth lines help embody the continuous feel of energy and the natural cycles of your body, such as breathing. It keeps the “flow” of your zen space alive.
- Purpose – What will you do to find zen in your space? You might want pillows to sit/lay down and relax. You could include a yoga mat or an iPod dock for easy listening. In addition, incorporate your own personal “touchstone” (an item that helps you focus and ground your emotions).
- Escape Art – Since your zen room is located in your home, sometimes it can be difficult to take your mind elsewhere. Paintings and photography of places that give you peace offer a visual escape.
Focus these techniques into one space, and you can harness your zen without needing to travel or even requiring a large budget. When you’ve decided which final pieces of artwork will add a visual escape to your “mind palace,” Frame Warehouse can help you frame the pieces according to your needs at an affordable cost.
