Want to create a quiet, inspiring space for rituals like meditation or yoga — or just a place in your home that helps you feel more connected to what's meaningful in your life?
Creating your own sacred space lets you express your very human need for ongoing spiritual nourishment. Whether it's at home, at work or in some "third space" such as a hotel room when traveling, everyone can benefit from creating places where they intentionally choose what surrounds them. Your sacred space might contain a single object such as a statue, sculpture or private altar you deliberately place in a special location — or it may be an entire room or garden or even your entire home arranged with furnishings, objects and decor that have special meaning for you.
"It's a place to be reborn and renewed every day — a place to find rest, says Las Vegas interior designer Laura Rogers. It's about drawing yourself inward and getting closer to what's in your heart."
Rogers offers these tips on using decor, lighting, sculptures, altars, furniture and more to tangibly connect with the sacred or spiritual side of yourself.
Start with what "sacred" or "spiritual" means to you
Your definition of what's sacred is as individual as a fingerprint. Yet unlike a fingerprint, your personal ideas and expression of what is sacred evolve and change over time. If "God is in the details," as the saying oes, the places you live and work can put your spirituality more a part of your everyday life. And that can go a long way toward helping you feel more centered, grounded and happy.
Decide what you want from your sacred space
Before you begin, think about what you're seeking and decide how you want to use it. It might be to ...
Create private sanctuary for meditation and prayer, or simple quiet reflection.
Find serenity while you're at home.
Call up the same peaceful feeling when you're away by visualizing your home space.
Shared space for connecting with others, or ritual and ceremony.
Co-create a family altar that continually evolves with spontaneous contributions from each of you.
Deepen intimacy through regular family time in a special place.
Find inspiration in what you love
Make your sacred space personal. Choose what tastes, sounds, smells, looks and feels good to you. Choose objects that give you energy, inspire you or help you get into the ritual of your meditation, yoga, prayer or other sacred practice.
Also consider using a screen, curtain or other boundary to make your sacred space feel more contained, relaxing and personal.
Creating a sacred space can be something you do once in your lifetime or every day, alone or with loved ones. Get creative with these ideas:
Seasonal rituals to celebrate and commemorate:
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Changes of season
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Movements of the sun, moon or stars
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Endings and beginnings of any kind
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Anniversaries and special occasions
Specific, one-time events:
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To consecrate new space or transform existing space
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To celebrate a relationship or a success
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To clarify an important decision or change
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To be more present make any aspect of your life more conscious
Where should you locate your sacred space?
A single object can increase your awareness of your spirituality and connection with what is sacred to you. An entire room can invite you into your deeper self. You can create your sacred space:
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Where you can see it — across from your bed, desk, sofa, or kitchen table
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Where you come and go — thresholds, entrances and hallways
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In every room — whether it's a single object, an arrangement, an altar or the entire room
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Wherever you have room — if not an entire room, then a corner of room, or even a closet
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In a secluded area such as a spare room or a corner of your bedroom — when you want it to be a quiet retreat, especially for meditation
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In the garden — in or out of doors, when Nature's voice is what you need
What kinds of items should you include in your sacred space?
This is your personal space. Knock down walls if you need to. What speaks to you, inspires you, moves you?
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Mementos - personal items that are meaningful to you
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Talismans - symbols of peace and safety
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Visual Art - your own, your friends', post cards of famous works
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Photographs - loved ones and special places
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Statuary - traditional symbols of divine and protective energies
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Stones and Shells - holding memories from special places
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Candles and incense
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Color, light, texture, fabrics, carpets, mirrors, fountains, chimes
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Plants, flowers and other living things
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Musical instruments and favorite CDs
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Personal Divination Tools - such as the I Ching, The Tarot, the Runes
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Sacred texts or words of wisdom - from any and all faiths
Use your power of intuition
Whether your life is urban, suburban or rural, whether your home is a sprawling estate or a studio apartment, you can create a special place for simple reflection, traditional meditation, ritual and ceremony.
"It all starts with a desire within me to make something beautiful," says Rogers. "I want to make the sacred space in my house as comforting as I possibly can. I might have been inspired by a picture in a magazine, or something in a movie will trigger my thinking. I'll go about finding another piece of furniture to do that or rearrange something and it just happens."
Remember that this space is yours. Honor your heart's desires. Trust your intuition to show you where to put it, what to include, how to use it — and see where it takes you.
Community Voice
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This is a very good post and informative for persons beginning a practice of meditation. Throughout my practice of meditation, I have realized that there are three things that one needs to always consider when choosing a place to meditate. These
3 tipsare extremely important to get you started on meditating in the right foot.
benefits of meditationStarting a meditation practice can be tedious, frustrating, and just plain boring at first. Follow through though because it only gets easier each time you do it. You can start out with as little as five minutes a day and see results. The
are absolutely incredible and well worth the sacrifice at the beginning of making it a habit in your life.
Edited by: Sonia Gallagher on Apr 17, 2009 10:02:26 PMAll the best to you and yours,
Sonia Gallagher
My Meditation Garden
http://www.mymeditationgarden.com
Apr 17, 2009 10:00:25 PM