Zen Space – an area to escape within your home

“To live in a peaceful home is to experience paradise on earth.”

Shri Radhe Maa

We are living in times of uncertainty, change and spending more time in our homes than ever before.  Working from home, homeschooling, spending more time with our spouses (yikes!). These are just some of the changes we are facing.

We know we should to keep fit, eat healthily, exercise more, be positive for our children, keep our houses clean and cook nutritious meals for our families (I am tired just writing this!). However, with all the stress and demands on us, we need more now than ever a space in our homes to escape, our little paradise, our own zen area.

We need to hold our wellbeing in higher regard and give it the same importance as we do to other activities in our life. Our homes have dedicated rooms for cooking, working, sleeping, watching TV. Some homes even have gyms, cinema rooms and bars. Yet the thing that holds the key to our happiness has no dedicated space in our homes.

“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions”.

Dalia Lama

A place where you can meditate, journal, read a book or just be with your thoughts to reset your mindset and “become the person you truly are” @robdialjnr (check out his podcasts; literally would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for this guy).

Life will always throw challenges at us but if we are mentally strong enough to deal with these then we can get through anything. Having a dedicated ‘Zen space’ in our homes will constantly remind us to focus on our well being which will in the end better all other aspects of our life.  

“Your happiness is not dependent on anything external. Don’t give the key to your happiness to anyone or anything or any situation. Happiness is an inside job”.

Jay Shetty

Create a space to recharge your mind.

How to create a Zen space in your home

Everyone’s peace is their own. Your peace may be your religion, nature, outdoors, the beach or even a place you remember from your childhood. Take inspiration from these things. Focus on why you like your chosen inspiration and incorporate some of these ideas into your space. Colours, textures, sounds, lighting, touch, smell – stimulating all your senses and helping you escape and reset your mind.

Colours – use subtle colours and softer tones as opposed to the bright or dark tones even if this may be your preference in other parts of your home. Farrow & Ball have teamed up with the Natural History Museum in London (who are the global authority on nature, conservation, and scientific discovery) to capture and create the true colours of the world around us, and to bring those colours into your home. Have a look at their campaign ‘Colour by Nature’ to be truly inspired.

Textures – add cushions, throws, rugs, ceramics, glass vases, stone ornaments. Textures is the sensation produced by how things feel. Choose textures that remind you of your calm place and mix and match creating layers of textures. Pair rough with the smooth using soft cushions and rough stones to display. Use lots of plants and stones to create an environment that looks as natural as possible.

Sounds – Try to create your Zen space in part of the house away from noisy areas, away from the kids play area and where the family watch TV. If possible somewhere close to the garden, have some sort of sound system where you can play some relaxing music, (I normally just search ‘spa music’ from Utube). Perhaps a chime or a waterfall feature. Anything that helps to relax and calm your soul.

“The human body thrives with natural light. According to research, natural light has such an effect on moods and thus, exposure to more natural light is very important,”

Psychological Interventions at the University of Central Lancashire.

Lighting – Try to use a space where there is plenty of natural lighting. Also add layered lighting to create a calm ambience with subtle tones. Add different lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, lava lamps. Use lots of scented candles which create for a tranquil atmosphere especially with the flickering effect.

Other – Try to use as many natural materials as possible. Use scented diffusers. Create a place where you can start and end your day, a place where you can escape and spend time focusing on your mind and wellbeing – helping you to become the best possible version of yourself.

If you would any help or ideas in creating your perfect Zen Area in your home then get in touch as we would love to contribute to helping you with working towards your well being.