Practice Meditation In Your Outdoor Patio

In your busy life, there's barely a chance to slow down. But the key to a long, happy life might just be the old adage, "stop and smell the roses." Practicing some form of this will increase blood flow, decrease respiratory rate and lead to an overall happier and less stressed out life. Outdoor patio meditation is one way to achieve total body and mind relaxation. By furnishing and accessorizing your deck or patio, you can have your very own at-home place of bliss.

Nature
Meditating outside is highly popular because of how it brings people closer to nature. The fresh air, natural lighting, and calm sounds of rustling leaves and birds singing make for the perfect backdrop to clear your mind. It gets people away from harsh fluorescent lights, electronics and the many distractions and stressors that make up our daily lives. The outdoor patio is a perfect place to experience nature while staying close to home.

Cushions
Most people prefer meditating on the ground, typically in an inverted cross-legged, or lotus position. For those who are unable to sit this way, the half lotus position, or just one leg crossed over, is much easier. Cushions also make this experience more comfortable, but if you are outside on your outdoor patio, you will need to make sure your cushions are durable and waterproof, especially if you plan on keeping them outside for extended periods of time.

To be sure, the best thing to do is take cushions indoors when it rains, but keeping them outside in watertight storage bins will also do the trick. Outdoor cushions are usually made from a synthetic poly fill, with a removable waterproof nylon cover. They are about as comfortable as any cushion you will find inside your home, and it will last much longer.

Lighting
The proper lighting is also important in achieving the proper meditative mood. Obviously, if it's the middle of a sunny day, you can just rely on the sun itself, but for cloudier days or getting on into the evening hours, you can bring in your own lighting. Candles are classic, and many come in inviting scents that further serve to open up one's senses.

Metal lanterns are great for holding small tea lights and are well suited for the outdoor patio. Not only are they waterproof, but they usually are also coated with a powder rust-inhibitor. In addition to candles, string lighting is popular, cheap and very ambient. This, too is usually tempered to withstand outdoor exposure.

Accessories
The final thing to do when transforming your outdoor patio is to take care of those final touches. Wear something comfortable that you can move around in, that breathes and won't be too warm for outside. Next, set the mood with some relaxing music. There are many CDs created specifically for meditation and it's just a matter of finding one you like.

Some popular examples include Native American flute music, sounds of nature, and classical lullabies. You may also choose to burn incense for a truly sensory experience. Incense is nice for outside because you don't have to worry about cleaning up the ash like you do indoors.