Showers and Bathrooms for Meditating
Shower & Bath Design for Meditating
Get Your Shower Zen On
Showers & Bathrooms for Meditating. For many of us, notice I wrote, spending time in our bathroom, particularly our shower, can be a time for relaxation. Pressing the “pause” button and having a bit of solitude and time to “exhale” is essential. One of my favorite spots in my home to do that is the shower. It’s got all the elements for a perfect space to meditate and “breathe.” It’s an ideal sensory space for isolation, even if for 10 minutes at a time. It’s a fact that solitude, peace, and emotional positivity maintain and rejuvenate our physical wellbeing.
During this “strange” period in time, many of us are fixing up our spaces in our homes and utilizing this time efficiently. So, if your dream is to give a facelift to a bathroom and shower area, think about vegan building materials that envelopes meditation. Materials have a very strong connection to energy and our moods. They must be very carefully considered. The textures, colors, cleanliness & ethical origin of the selections must enhance the space in a positive emotional way. Humane spaces with as few toxins as possible are ideal. So, keep away animal-based materials and chemicals and consider the following;
Lighting
Eco-friendly lights can lift your mood which can help those who suffer from depression. Ambient lighting creates a calm, meditative and relaxing space to help you let go and unwind. Combining different types of lighting creates layers that give you the freedom to adjust the intensities of light. Lighting is creative. It can create any kind of mood you wish. For instance, the warm glow of natural daylight creates an energetic vibe. Candlelight creates a warming, calm effect. In a shower, recessed warm light-emitting diodes (LED), can be placed within the lower wall area of the shower. It will create a peaceful and serene environment. Ceiling lights in the shower are necessary. Consider warm glow LED ceiling lights. But keep the quantity of light to a minimum. Too many bulbs will make the area too bright and less calming for the senses. Bright light increases our emotions. A low-lit room maintains a calming balance. A pretty detail is to add warm glow LED concealed lighting within the shower shelf.
Wall Coverings
Sustainable wall coverings on bath and shower walls can create a serene and calming environment. Here are a few of my favorites;
Slate (grey and black tones). A natural product, which is low maintenance and very durable. The dark slate feels very earthy and cave like. It’s soothing to the soul.
Marble. Soft earthy light tones (white marble may look too clinical). Like slate, marble is a natural product, durable and recyclable. It’s neutral and blanks also great for the mind.
Recycled glass tiles. A great eco-friendly product made from waste. Many of these tiles reflect light and play with the sun. It’s a nice environment for meditation.
Pale to mid-grey cement walls are trendy and calming. Cement has a positive life cycle. Cement materials can originate from limestone, chalk and shells. The cement is durable. It absorbs and retains heat and is recyclable. It’s stark, like a modern spa.
Ceramic tiles. Choose organic light tones. Ceramic tiles are considered to be sustainable since most are made from clay and other natural materials. Glazed ceramic tiles are durable due to being resistant to stains. Endless options for colors, shapes and textures. Ceramic is typically very affordable.
Floor Coverings
You can continue the wall coverings on the walls onto the floor. It creates a seamless look. It doesn’t define the space well. It’s a trick that we designers use when we want a small space to look grander. Think about what feels good under your feet? What material creates a warm and calming effect for you?
If you want to add some additional texture, use a combination of two or more materials in the shower. Perhaps stone tile on the walls and bamboo or a teak wood floor (sourced from sustainable forests). Sustainably sourced wood is identified by having the Forest Stewardship Council logo (FSC). It’s a great organization dedicated to promoting responsible management of world forests. Plus bringing natural elements into the space is biophilic (connecting nature with interior design).
Use products free from volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) throughout. VOC’s are carbon-based toxic compounds. These chemicals release themselves into the air, affecting both the environment and your health. Therefore, by using VOC-free products, you’re creating a positive, toxic-free and healthy environment. Plus you’re helping the survival of all living beings, human and non.
Showers
So many shower designs. Do you prefer square, round, waterfall shower heads? The key is to choose a style and feature that is relaxing to you. For example, a rain-style showerhead has less pressure typically than a regular shower head. That could be considered more calming. What will help you connect to your inner-self and decompress?
A shower seat made from either sustainably sourced or recycled wood is a great complement to a shower for meditating. If space permits, a built-in seat made of the same materials as the wall covering would be a great option also. If there is no room for a seat in the shower, sitting on the shower floor works well for meditating.
Accessories
Declutter your meditative space. Try, if possible, to store kid’s toys and bathroom knick-knacks behind closed drawers and cabinets. A cluttered space can affect our mental well-being. Clutter distracts our minds and makes it very challenging to unwind. Think minimalism. Do you really need 6 towels hanging? How many cups and soap dishes are there on the counter? Bring it down to bare bones. Add a plant or two. Greenery is biophilic. This will have a positive effect on your meditation space.
Wrapping Up
The above are just a few ideas to help you create that perfect meditation space in your bath/shower area. Make it your happy place. Think of it as a necessary space for you to unwind so you can then reenergize. Meditating is essential in today’s times. It keeps us healthy and in balance. Remember to go healthy & non-animal based on your design choices. Surround your spaces without any blood or tragedy attached to them. Namaste!
Thanks for writing this fabulous article, Rachel! Rachel Fowlers is a self-driven, passionate creator of the sustainable and vegan design. www.rachelfowlerinteriors.com
🌸In case you missed it.
All About Soap with Lisa Bronner of Dr. Bronner Soaps
DIY Sensory Playrooms in The Tiniest of Spaces
Join our Facebook Group “Design for a Healthy & Humane Home”
Learn how to get your biz listed on our website HERE
