Creating a Sacred Space

In our modern world, finding a moment of true peace and quiet can be challenging.  Distractions are literally everywhere, and I believe many of them are purposefully designed to keep us “fat and happy”. (That may be a topic for another day!)  Finding a moment of quietude that doesn’t involve scrolling or watching TV really has to be sought out intentionally these days.  Despite the obstacles, engaging in a calm practice of some kind is truly a worthy pursuit!  I invite you to check out this blog post for practice ideas and encouragement.

Having a designated place to retreat to that is specifically designated for peaceful, screen-free activities helps the mind shift more quickly into relaxation mode.  When you consistently go to this place, whether it be a comfortable chair, a blanket outside, or a dedicated room, it trains the brain to expect something different than the usual hustle and grind, and it behaves accordingly.  With training, Pavlov’s dogs began salivating when they heard the dinner bell, associating the sound with meal time.  So too can your mind be trained to more quickly slip into a calm, balanced state upon entering your “sacred space”.

I personally call this place my sanctuary, and it truly is. It’s an intentionally designed space for meditation, contemplation, emotional work, self-care, and relaxation. Here’s how you can design your own sacred space that nurtures your well-being.

1. Choose the Right Location

Select a quiet, comfortable area in your home where you can retreat without distractions. This could be a corner of a room, a small alcove, or even a dedicated room if you have the space. More fun ideas: a tent (indoors or out), a blanket fort, a converted van, a pre-fab shed, a tree house, a converted garage.

Some people live in small spaces shared with a lot of people.  I’ve been there.  Consider adding a tent over your bed, or making the bath tub your (temporary) sacred space.  It’s sacred when you’re in there alone, and you don’t bring any distractions with you.  Or choose a sacred blanket that you take to a sacred corner of the park under your favorite sacred tree!  If you’re single and short on space, your bedroom can work, as long as you are disciplined about not watching TV or using your phone in that room, something that can be challenging but not impossible.  The key is to choose a spot that feels as peaceful and private as possible given your current situation.

Sidebar: Many folks think they have no room for a designated “me place” while sitting on a perfectly good guest room, office, or storage room.   I ask you, is that guest room really earning its assigned square footage when you only host guests maybe 10% of the year?  My sacred space gets converted to a guest room twice a year when family comes to visit.  It takes me about four hours before guests arrive and after they leave to complete the transformation.  (And I always reset the energy in the room after the guest has left.)  But I consider this a reasonable use of my time and resources.  Spending time cleaning out a storage room or thinking outside the box about a home office could also be worthy endeavors.

2. Declutter and Cleanse

Clear the area of unnecessary items to create a sense of openness. A clutter-free space helps to calm the mind and promote relaxation. Marie Kondo’s question, “Does this item spark joy?” is especially meaningful when thinking about what to keep in a sacred space.  If you aren’t practically able to get rid of “necessary” clutter, consider investing in some decorative storage boxes that can hide items functionally and look nice doing so.  (Michael’s, etc. has sales on these all the time.)

Once decluttered, cleanse the space energetically. You can use sage, palo santo, or simply open the windows to let fresh air circulate and remove any stagnant energy.

3. Personalize with Meaningful Items

Fill your sacred space with items that inspire and comfort you. Consider including:

• Candles or incense for a soothing aroma.

• Crystals for their healing properties or beauty.

• Plants to bring in the life force of nature.

• Photographs or artwork that uplift your spirit.

I have a mentor who taught me to incorporate the four elements of air, fire, earth, and water into my meditation practice.  So I keep the necessarily materials in my sacred space.  When I meditate, I open a window (air), light a candle (fire), and put my feet into a little box that I keep filled with pebbles (earth).  I add water to the pebble box.

4. Set the Mood with Lighting and Comfort

Soft, warm lighting creates a tranquil atmosphere. Use lamps, string lights, or candles to provide gentle illumination. Avoid harsh, bright lights that can be overstimulating.  Florescent lighting should not be used, if possible.

Incorporate comfortable seating like a cushion, chair, or yoga mat and cozy “hygge” elements like string lights, a soft rug, floor pillows, or a blanket.

5. Incorporate Elements of Nature

Bringing natural elements into your space can enhance its calming effect. Consider adding:

• Plants or flowers to connect with nature’s energy.

• A water feature like a small fountain for the soothing sound of flowing water.

• Natural materials such as wood, stone, or bamboo in your decor.

6. Use Soothing Colors

Choose colors that promote relaxation and peace. Soft blues, greens, and neutrals are often calming. There’s no need to paint walls; you can incorporate these colors through your choice of cushions, throws, or wall art.  Fabric or inexpensive wall tapestries can be used to cover areas and add coziness.

7. Create a Ritual

Ok, here’s the fun part!  Decide on and establish a routine or ritual to practice in your sacred space. This could be meditation, journaling, yoga, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea. (Again, check out this post for ideas.)   I sometimes even take short naps in my space, laying on an extra thick yoga mat with a blanket and pillow.  It feels quite different than sleeping on the couch or bed!  Whatever you decide to do, consistent use of the space for these activities will help reinforce its purpose as a place of peace and reflection.  After about three months of use, I began to literally feel my body and brain relax when I entered my special room.  The dedication is absolutely worth the payoff!

8. Keep It Sacred

Finally, treat this space with reverence. Keep it clean and organized, avoid using it for mundane tasks, and teach family or housemates to respect any rules around use of the space. Personally, I don’t allow anyone to step foot in my special room without permission, or when I’m not present.  It may sound harsh, but I find the boundary absolutely necessary with a young, curious (and messy) family.  If one of my kids does come in, they understand that they are expected to respect the atmosphere.  Whining, complaining, and certainly fighting, are not allowed.  I move visitors out into our common space if any of these behaviors crop up.  I post a “do not disturb” door tag when I’m using my space and need to be left alone.  Being consistent about your personal rules, whatever they may be, help maintain the space’s sanctity and ensure it remains a true retreat for your mind, body, and soul.

I hope these ideas inspire you to tackle this fun and rewarding new project!  Creating a sacred space at home is a powerful way to enhance your well-being and provide a much-needed retreat from daily stress.  And you 100% deserve to have your own special place.  With a little creativity and effort, you can absolutely create a haven that supports your journey toward inner peace and healing.

Let me know how your space transformation is going in the comments below, and come visit me for a Reiki session at my practice in San Jose, where I’ve created another sacred space that’s just for you and your healing!

Love,

Michelle