It is wonderful to have a Sangha--a shared community--where we come to practice yoga and meditation. However, in order to really develop the ability to see thoughts clearly, and to live in our bodily experience, it is important to cultivate a daily meditation practice at home.
No matter how large or small a house or apartment is, a sacred area can be created that you care for and respect. Having this dedicated space helps set the intent to commit to a consistent, regular practice. In a larger house an entire room could be devoted to your practice, but even in a small dwelling a corner can be cleared and a meditation alter created.
Alters do not have to be elaborate or expensive. For example, the base of an altar may be specially made, or it could simply be an upturned cardboard box or long low bookshelf draped with a beautiful cloth. A small bookshelf can also be handy as (hidden by the cloth) the 2nd shelf is a easy place to store extra incense, candles, matches, inspiring books, etc. Depending on the tradition you follow, your alter can be quite formal, or something more personal.
To create an alter that is not connected to any particular style or school, objects to set on your alter could include flowers, candles, incense, small statues, pictures, crystals, or any items that have meaning to you.
If you desire a more formal alter, or one connected to a certain tradition, there are many books and websites that can help you find out what items you would have, and how they should be placed.
It's traditional to bow as you enter and leave your meditation room or space as a way to honor the spiritual teachers of the past, and also of honoring your own presence and commitment.
Set a realistic goal when you begin your home meditation practice. No matter how busy a day is, 5 to 10 minutes can usually be found. It is better to start out slowly than to overdo it at first and then lose interest; but do try to meditate every day, if only for a few minutes, as it is important to commit yourself to a regular practice. The times when you least feel like meditating can be the times of greatest benefit!
Keeping a meditation journal can be a very helpful tool especially as you begin your practice. Take a few minutes to journal after you finish meditating about what your experience was, without any judgement or editing. If experience is examined honestly and with a desire to learn, awareness and understanding are strengthened. Over a period of time, patterns that our consciousness follows may become clearer. Perhaps it's forgiveness or patience that we need to develop. Perhaps it's more persistence. Or more calmness. Perhaps we'll discover that we are lazier than we thought, or perhaps that we try too hard, or perhaps even that we fluctuate in our efforts.
As important as a sacred space is, remember that the Self and this connection with all beings can be found everywhere and in all circumstances. The true meditation hall is within our own hearts and can be carried with us wherever we go.
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"I truly believe that individuals can make a difference in society. Since periods of change such as the present one come so rarely in human history, it is up to each of us to make the best use of our time to help create a happier world."
~Dalai Lama
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