When Melanie and I completed a move about a year ago, we were trying to figure out what to do with each room. The house we were moving into had more room than we were used to, and there was one room in particular (a big, open, spacious room that would normally be used as a living room) that we didn’t really know what to do with.

Having already established ourselves by that point as avid journeyers, we began talking about building a “journey room” for ourselves. The idea seemed novel: a space designed to facilitate personal exploration, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. A journey room can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to deepen their practice of meditation, mindfulness, or other spiritual disciplines.

At the time, I actually didn’t know this was a well-known thing. But, as I soon discovered after a quick Google search, I realized that we weren’t, in fact, the pioneers of the journey room. Regardless, we ventured forth in building our own version of one in the classic Melanie & Dan style. Here’s how we did it.

Step 1: Find the Right Space

The first step in building a journey room is to find the right space. Ideally, you should choose a room that is quiet and free from distractions. It should also be a space that you feel comfortable and safe in. Consider using a spare bedroom, a home office, or a converted attic or basement as your journey room.

We chose the main room of our house, and while that doesn’t exactly scream quiet and free from distractions, it was the right call. We don’t have kids and we try to spend quality time together as much as possible, so making this room as accessible, if not more accessible, than our TV room was important.

Whichever room you choose, be sure it has the right energy. There should be a good amount of light, plenty of space to put decorations (like wall art, cool lights, tapestries, an altar, etc), and good airflow.

Step 2: Define Your Journey Room’s Purpose

Before you start decorating your journey room, it is important to define your purpose for the space. Are you building it primarily for meditation, yoga, or psychedelic medicine? Each of these purposes will require different design elements and sensory stimuli.

For example, I built our journey room with a high-end surround sound system with wireless music (through Alexa) so I could control the sound of the space from my phone. Melanie and I like to journey with music, and I love experimenting with new playlists. Another example is the use of lighting and candles to set the mood and not overwhelm our eyes during a deep experience.

Take some time to think about the purpose of your journey room. You’ll be glad you did once you begin to design it.

Step 3: Design the Space

Once you have defined your journey room’s purpose, you can start designing the space. Here are some key elements to consider:

• Lighting: Soft, diffused lighting can create a relaxing and calming atmosphere. Consider using candles, lanterns, or dimmer switches to adjust the lighting as needed.
• Sound: Ambient sounds, such as nature sounds or white noise, can help block out distractions and create a peaceful environment. Consider using a sound machine or speakers to play calming music or meditation recordings. Be sure to check out Hama’s playlists in our blog for ease in getting started!
• Smell: Essential oils or incense can help create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. Choose scents that resonate with you and that help you feel calm and centered.
• Decor: Use decor elements that reflect your personal style and resonate with your purpose for the space. Consider adding plants, crystals, tapestries, or other decorative elements that inspire you.
• Seating: Choose comfortable seating that allows you to sit comfortably for extended periods of time. Consider using a meditation cushion, a yoga mat, or a comfortable chair. (Pro tip: We ordered a 5-inch queen-size mattress on Amazon that we lay in front of the couch when we want to spread out. It’s an amazing add-on to have at your disposal when you want it.)

Step 4: Choose Your Tools

Depending on your purpose for the journey room, you may want to include specific tools or props to support your practice. Here are some examples:

• Meditation cushions or bolsters
• Yoga blocks and straps
• Blankets or throws for warmth (personal favorite)
• Tarot cards or oracle decks (we like to use these when opening the space and setting intentions)
• Crystals or stones for energy work and grounding
• Books or journals for reflection (avoid using your phone for taking notes. It’s hard on the eyes and can lead to a headache, even as late as the next day. I’ve been there. It’s not fun)

Step 5: Create Your Routine

Finally, it is important to establish a routine for using your journey room. This could include a daily meditation practice, a weekly yoga class, or a recurring psychedelic medicine session. Whatever your routine, make sure it is consistent and sustainable. Over time, your journey room will become an essential part of your home and you’ll find that the energy of the space becomes deeper and more rich every time you use it.

Melanie and I love our journey room more now than we did when we started it, and a big part of the reason is that we’ve put so much thoughtful energy and intention into imbuing the space with peace and tranquility. I find that I can drop into meditations more easily in that room than any other room, and when we go on spiritual or personal growth journeys together, strange and beautiful things happen that don’t occur in other places that we’ve sat for medicine work.

Building a journey room in your home can be a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development. I encourage you to explore building one of your very own. You won’t regret it!