The world is too noisy, too harsh and too rough. It is full of distractions, deceptions, and distances. The cacophony of industries. The effusion of dangerous chemicals in the air. Stress and suicide rates. Depression and heartbreaks etc. All of these have a destructive impact on your being in one way or another. These environmental stimuli creep through the cracks in your body and infect your life flow. They steal the spark in your spirit and give birth to an imbalance in your energies. The main question then becomes: How can you restore your inner peace and rise from the ashes like a phoenix?

The answer lies in Zen, which is considered as one of the best Buddhism-inspired techniques to regain your true being and tranquility. Alan Watts, a famous Zen philosopher of the West, says that instead of fearing the vortex of the world, you should plunge right into, and join the dance. His book, “The Way of Zen”, is quite popular in this regard as a starter pack for beginners, and is available on Amazon for $10.87. Place your order now over a fast network, as acquired from Frontier deals, and start immersing in the concept.

You see, ‘Embrace’ is at the heart of Zen. Through a persistent meditation, you’re gradually attuned to the stimuli, which hitherto hurt your being, to an extent that those sharp noises and torments no longer have an effect on your spirit. You flow through the external chaos, as it flows through you, and this gives you a certain degree of control over it. Once this stage of enlightenment comes, you’re no longer a dull receiving sponge that absorbs muck from the surroundings. No, you become a giver, who changes the environment in a positive way.

However, to reach this level of awareness, insight, and intuition, meditation is a given. It cannot be practiced if you don’t have a special space reserved for it. Now, I’m not saying that you should leave everything behind and head over to the Himalayas, because that would be an escapist’s viewpoint. No, you should stay within the midst of the fray, and convert any place you deem fit into a ‘Zen-friendly’ space. A few things are required for that. Lucky for you, these things are widely applicable, so no matter where you are, you can practice Zen with the following things by your side. Check them out below.

Something Earthy

In order to reestablish your connection with the element of earth from which you were created and into which you shall be buried, bring something earthy to your meditational space. It could be anything from a terrarium to a vial of sand.

Something Liquidy

Another element which you should add to your Zen space is water. It covers over 75% of the planet and makes up about 60% of your body’s composition. Its inherent coolness, flexibility, and motion can aid you on your meditational journey. So, bring a fish bowl or sit near a fountain for the best effect.

Something Fiery

Fire is the ultimate life-giver. To harness its energy, I’d recommend you to bring a fireplace or the fresh morning sun into your meditational equation. Let the warmth rush through you as you close your eyes and become one with the environment. 

Something Airy

Stress smothers your soul to such an extent that sometimes you forget to do the most important thing, i.e. breathe properly. Well, a Zen-induced meditation enables you to focus on your respiration, and let the oxygen flow freely through your lungs. So, open the windows and let the cool breeze blow into your space.

Something Modern

Acceptance is at the core of Zen meditation. Instead of isolating yourself in a secluded corner, open yourself up to the humdrum and the buzz of the modern world. In that accordance, bring a souvenir of the material present to your safe space, like a metal paperclip or a tech gadget, and try to associate with it.

Something Natural

To balance the ‘modern’ element, bring something natural to your Zen-friendly space. It could be a bonsai, a seed, a paper or even a pet. Touch the object/animal with compassion, and try to visualize the time when humanity respected nature and enjoyed its multifarious bounties.

Something Soft

The hard realities of the world have been beating down on your spirit as a blacksmith flattens a sword on an anvil. Counter this with softness and strive to hit a balance. Bring something fluffy to your Zen-friendly space, like a plushy cushion, a beanbag or a stuffed toy, and meditate with it around.

Something Scented

Block the nasty smells of the metropolis by lighting scented candles or by placing a fragrant potpourri in your meditational space. Allow the aromas to gently wash over you and turn on the light in your spirit.

Something Sentimental

Which object reminds you of YOU most aptly? A YOU that you’ve lost in the fray of the world? Is it an ornament, a necklace, a picture, a trinket or a leaf? Bring that with you in the Zen-friendly space to amplify your meditation and find a focal point.

Something Round

Become one with the circle of life by placing something round in your meditational space. A soap, a pearl, a ball or a pebble.

The list goes on. However, these essential requirements will ensure that you have a fantastic first experience of a Zen meditation in your own safe space.