<p style="text-align: center;">You probably know that meditation is good for your body and mind. Still, it can be a challenge for a busy professional to find a place to sit and think.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Learn how to create a meditation space in your home or find a sanctuary nearby. After all, your surroundings play an important role in helping you to quiet your thoughts and become more mindful.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Benefits of Creating a Meditation Space</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong> </strong><strong>Increases concentration. </strong>A designated area for contemplation makes it easier to switch gears. You can forget about utilities bills and your kid’s report cards. Pay attention to your breath, and connect with the divine.</li> <li><strong>Screens out distractions. </strong>Turn off your phone and keep your laptop out of sight. Let your family know that you’ll be out of reach for a while.</li> <li><strong>Enables practice more consistently. </strong>Your meditation space is a powerful reminder if you’re trying to establish a consistent practice. You can look forward to your next session each time you walk by.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Designing a Meditation Space at Home</strong></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>"Cleanliness is half of faith." </strong>[Sahih Muslim]</em></h2> <ol> <li><strong>Clean up. </strong>Removing clutter allows you to keep your meditation space tidy and inviting. Sweep the floor and wash the windows. Remove your shoes to avoid tracking in dirt and leave them at the door. Do <em>wudhu</em> (ablution) beforehand. Wear modest and comfortable clothes.</li> <li><strong>Lower the volume. </strong>Aim for a quiet environment so you can appreciate the silence or listen to instructions and dhikr on audios. A white noise machine or fan will block out street noise.</li> <li><strong>Add inspiring objects. </strong>What do you like looking at while meditating? There are lots of options, including posters of inspiring, Islamic quotes, scenic images, kaaba, and prayer flags. If you’re creative, you may want to design your own props.</li> <li><strong>Clear your intentions. </strong>Depending on your spiritual practice, you may have a 'good deed' chart where you plan out some soul cleansing, charity actions you want to do. Make your intention with Allah's name and intend to meditate to connect with Allah and be able to worship Him in the best possible manner, and for Allah to correct and purify your intentions.</li> <li><strong>Display Islamic, mindful literature. </strong>Maybe you like to refer to prayer, du'a books or other inspirational passages from Islamic literature or verses of the Qur'an. Create your own book corner and cover your books with fabric to keep them pretty and protected.</li> <li><strong>Arrange seating. </strong>Having a comfortable place to sit is essential. You may prefer a regular chair or floor cushions. Any position that encourages good posture can work so feel free to support your back if necessary.</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Finding a Meditation Space Away From Home</strong></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong> <em>"And He is with you wherever you are." [Qur'an 57:4]</em></strong></h2> <ol> <li><strong>Browse community listings. </strong>If you like practicing in a group, a space away from home may be an attractive supplement or a way to help you get started with meditation. Check out what’s available in your locality. Your local masjid may hold <em>dhikr</em> sessions and there are lots of online sessions too.</li> <li><strong>Ask your boss. </strong>A growing number of companies are taking an interest in meditation. Talk with your employer about using the conference room before or after work, similar to how you would for your <em>fardh</em> prayers. Plan your meditation 5 minutes before your prayers to prepare you to cleanse your heart and focus on your prayers with humility and sincerity.</li> <li><strong>Enjoy nature. </strong>Head outdoors if the weather is mild. Enjoy beaches, parks and gardens while you meditate. Look for a spot where it’s safe to drop your guard for a while and breathe in the fresh air and the quiet of nature.</li> <li><strong>Meditate anywhere. </strong>Remember that the most important meditation space is in your mind. The more you practice, the easier it will be to calm your thoughts regardless of what is going on around you. Focusing on your breath can help you to reduce tension whether you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair or waiting in line at the supermarket. Use your tongue to do <em>dhikr</em>, the repetition of Allah's Names or <em>isthighfar</em> will calm your nerves and bring a peace in your heart.</li> </ol> Create your own beautiful haven in your home or in your neighbourhood. A special meditation space enables you to draw your focus inward and experience greater peace. Once you have created a space it's time to focus on what you want to achieve through meditation. Have you ever wanted to do something, but discouraged yourself because you believed you lacked the necessary resources to be successful? They might include a lack sufficient time, money, education, support, or experience. Interestingly, a lack of resources is rarely an issue if you’re truly committed! Avoid allowing a current lack of resources to discourage you. Make the intention to do it for the Sake of Allah, and then everything will become easy and accessible. It’s easy to get started on any venture without any resources. In time, resources can be found when needed. Even some of the largest businesses had humble beginnings. Ask of Allah, and He will open doors for you when it is the best time for you. <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Consider the power of believing you have unlimited resources</strong></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>"Were he to ask of Me, I would surely give him; and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it." [Al-Bukhari]</em></strong></h2> <ol> <li><strong>What would you choose to accomplish if you had unlimited resources?</strong> Take a few minutes to consider how you would live your life if you had everything you needed. Would you do more charity work? Would you go back to your studies? Start your own company? Become a philanthropist? Own an island? It’s easy to see that your options are unlimited. Think big. This can be an excellent way to determine your life’s purpose. If all obstacles were removed, what would you choose to do? Allah has created us to worship Him. How can you worship Him better? How can you balance your life's works with you goals for the Hereafter? What goals do you want to achieve in this world for your family, work, academics, pleasure?</li> <li><strong>Whom would you have in your life?</strong> Would you be alone or married? How many friends would you have? Describe your friends. Describe your neighbours. How many children would you have? If you dream of owning your own business, describe your employees and clients.</li> <li><strong>Where would you live?</strong> Would you stay put or move to somewhere more scenic? How many homes would you own? What colour would your dining room be? Consider the geographical location and the actual dwelling. There are hundreds of castles for sale at any time. You’ll need a butler, though.</li> <li><strong>What would your typical day entail?</strong> What time would you get out of bed? What would you do first? How would you spend your day? How would your evening be spent? How much free time would you have and how would you spend it? Whom would you see? Would you go for dinner every Friday? Would you race cars on the weekend? What Islamic activities do you envisage?</li> <li><strong>Now that you have thought about some big goals, how can you make it happen?</strong> Few of us have a surplus of resources, but there is always a first step that can be taken. Is this first step going to make you closer to jannah? If not, what can you do to ensure you don't get distracted by the worldly attractions? How can you safeguard your soul whilst still meeting your big ambitions?</li> </ol> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>"Allah is sufficient for us and the of those on whom to depend." [Qur'an 3: 173]</em></strong></h2> <ul> <li>The first step might entail looking at the educational offerings in your area or seeking a higher-paying job. Maybe it’s finally time to take the business class you thought was too serious. There’s still time to be an entrepreneur. Do two rakat nafl prayer seeking Allah's help. Allah's bounties are limitless. All you have to do is ask of Him and be proactive in what you want to do.</li> <li>As you progress, your understanding and your resources will grow. Warren Buffett started with a paper round. Now he’s frequently listed as the richest man in the world. You can probably get a better start than a job delivering papers, and your dreams are likely smaller. Consider that. Do <em>istikhara</em> prayer for guidance whenever you are at crossroads and need to make a decision. The prayer will help you realise, no matter what the outcome, Allah's plans are infinitely better.</li> </ul> <ol start="6"> <li><strong>Pretending you have unlimited resources can also be used to find solutions to challenges</strong><strong>.</strong> By imagining you have unlimited resources, you can open your mind to all the possible solutions. It’s possible you’ll find a solution that requires additional resources, but give yourself a chance to make it work. Although you are pretending, in your heart, know that Allah can grant you unlimited resources. Imagining that your resources are plentiful will open new possibilities inshallah .</li> </ol> Focusing your mind and creating opportunities to be closer to Allah whether it be in the way of creating a physical space to remember Allah or by keeping him at the forefront of your mind when considering how you will achieve your goals is not only an excellent way to increase your connection to Allah but also open yourself to the opportunities as well as lessons that are in store for you. Of course it goes without saying that those with unlimited resources can still struggle, so having unlimited resources isn’t a guarantee to attaining peace. We must avoid believing that abundant resources are a cure to our struggles, but with a mindset of having trust in Allah that He will provide for you, that if it is written for you it will come for you; all of these reminders can help foster peace and contentment. Doing <em><span class="c2">muraqabah</span></em><span class="c2">, having mindfulness and trying to attain spiritual excellence is a sure-footed way of achieving this contentment and tranquility at work and in life.</span> Think about what can you do now, to make the first step towards achieving this mindset.