Creating Sacred Spaces
Slowing down and tuning in to what brings you peace
Our days are often filled with business and noise, easily distracted by technology and the many obligations that subconsciously pull us away from our center. It is necessary to have practices and places that allow us to slow down and step away from the outside world in order to reconnect with our internal selves. This can be accomplished in several ways, yet one easy step is to establish a sacred space where you can retreat and recharge as needed. An actual physical place made by the things that bring you joy, comfort and inspiration and designed for the nurturing and rejuvenation of your spirit.
Our homes can be seen as a reflection of ourselves, spending a lot of time devoting space to décor without necessarily assigning meaning to various spaces. We strive to make our homes feel comfortable and welcoming for others, yet often overlook giving the same care and attention to creating space for our relationship with ourselves. Sacred spaces go beyond what is aesthetically pleasing to establish a spiritual environment where you can also feel at home within yourself. It is the place where the chatter stops and you can connect with your intentions, further aligning with your internal truths and desires.
Not everyone has taken note of their surroundings or been aware of how different spaces feel to them. This may sound arduous, but is actually quite simple as it is already ingrained in your senses. When waking into a room, we can often feel if a space feels inviting or cool. You may not be thinking about this in a conscious manner, but your body is taking note of the environments that are speaking to you and asking you to stay for a while. Sometimes it the people who make a space inviting and other times it is the environment itself that calls to your senses. What matters is recognizing the sensation, trusting your intuition and allowing yourself to be guided as you create your own personal and serene place of restoration.
If you haven’t already created a sacred space, it is a simple, yet powerful act. This area is made by you and for you, therefore there is no right or wrong way to create it or use it. This space can be used for meditation, writing, journaling, reflecting, inspiration, yoga, prayer, song, creativity, relaxation, etc. For some it may be a single object, altar, quiet nook or windowsill and for others it becomes an entire room or home. Sacred spaces can be created in any setting by combining multiple objects that speak to all of your senses. Close your eyes, ask and listen. Pay attention to the areas that you are already drawn to or where you tend to go to relax and unwind. Or as you are out and about, notice what your attention is drawn to and what it is you wish to recreate at home. Use your heart as you gather and decorate your space to match who you are.
Sacred spaces can be inside or outside, whatever setting allows you to feel connected to your surroundings. Let go of the need for perfection, order or external opinions. Your space will never be completely finished as it is a fluid work of art that will continue to change as your inspiration shifts. This is an extension of your authentic self, allowing you to stay connected to your own truth, further taping into your passions, purpose and even creative productivity. We are meant to enjoy and appreciate the little gifts that surround us. Finding joy starts with finding peace and finding peace can begin with the sacred space we devote to nurturing our spirit.
Give it a try! How to create your own sacred space:
Decide what "sacred" means to you. Think about what you are seeking and how you want to use this space. Do you need a space for yoga, meditation, creativity, relaxation or spiritual connection?
Dedicate a spot that can become sacred and that you can easily access and utilize without interruption. (Ex: bookshelf, dresser top, corner of a room, windowsill, side table, mantle, entire room, etc.)
Creatively set the tone: Decide what you want to include in this space and surround yourself with inspirational icons, things that bring you joy. Start by collecting a few meaningful items and gradually add to them with time. You can choose to spend time journaling, in prayer, meditation or reflection before and during the creation of the sacred space. (examples include: crystals, natural objects, feathers, pictures, trinkets, candles, incense, journals, pillows, words of inspiration, sound bowls, trinkets from loved ones or travels, etc.)
Establish your own rituals. Once you have crated your sacred space, reflect on how will you would like honor it. Any ritual can be crated by adding an intention to a routine. Allow yourself to focus on your intention while connecting with your spiritual self. We are spiritual beings having a human experience, and when we are able to be calm and still, we can tap into our inner wisdom.