Indoor vs. Outdoor Meditation: What’s Best?

Meditation is not a ‘one size fits all’ endeavor. Finding the meditation style that’s right for you is key to unlocking the benefits meditation has to offer. From reducing stress and controlling anxiety to lengthening attention span and enhancing self-awareness, meditation can do it all.

Whether you’re a certified yogi or a novice entering meditation for the first time, you might be wondering where the best meditation spots might be hiding. Are they in your own home, or out in the open? Join GR8NESS as we explore indoor vs. outdoor meditation and weigh which one might work best for you.

The Pros of Indoor Meditation

For the most part, opting to practice meditation indoors can be an excellent choice for beginners. The stability of your floor, the comfort of your couch, or even the bathtub can be where you catalyze your meditation experience.

When it comes to meditation, distractions can be everywhere. This can be especially true if you’re living with a handful of kids or in a noisy area. However, the comfort of our surroundings can often play in your favor.

The ticking of your water heater, the click as your laundry hits its last cycle – these sounds can be distracting, yes, but they’re sounds you’re well accustomed to. This can be leaps and bounds easier to tune out and zone into your meditation.

Not to mention, indoor meditation – whether at home, with a group, or at a health center – allows you to practice year-round. If you’re part of the population about to dive into the winter months, indoor meditation might be your best bet this time of year.

Benefits of Outdoor Meditation

Generally speaking, outdoor meditation requires more mental fluidity – you’re ebbing and flowing with the senses around you. This can be challenging for beginners, but for those familiar with meditating, it can enhance your receptivity and connection to the world around you.

Meditating outdoors is an excellent option for those struggling to stick to their meditation habit – you might find it easier to reach a meditative state under the open sky than in a dark room. Likewise, if your indoor surroundings are stressful or noisy, practicing outdoor meditation can be a phenomenal escape.

For the novice, there may be more distractions outside than at home. Even wind touching your body can interrupt your breathing awareness. However, for those more in-tune with their meditative state, outdoor meditation can allow you to connect with the plants, animals, and vibrancy around you.

Which is Best?

The truth is, there is no right or wrong for meditation. Any place can work just fine, as ultimately, the practice encourages you to search within. The meditative journey of tuning in and turning your outward flowing energy inwards can be done wherever you sit.

Frankly, meditation comes easier in nature for some, and indoors for others. Some need total silence to meditate; others can tune in without needing any specific environment.

Which do you prefer? Let us know down below.