One of the constants in my life since meeting my husband has been the practice of meditation. When we met we both were meditating with different styles. One of the many things I learned from him was to create a space for meditation. A sacred space where inner exploration was the primary purpose.
You might be saying I don’t have space. Throughout our years together and many moves, we started with a simple space on top of a table, then half a closet in a guest room, then a larger closet, and finally a whole room. For many people, it’s a spot in their living room, or outside near a tree. Where is not important, the intention you put into it is what is!
What Goes Into Your Sacred Space?
Building your sacred space is totally personal. It’s always good to start with finding a space that makes you feel good or that offers you a place of silence. So if you are in a house full of people, trying to find a quiet spot near the kitchen would probably not be conducive. But if your kitchen has beautiful light, a peaceful vibe and there are times when the house is quiet, why not pick out a spot.
A friend of mine makes her space at the kitchen table near a window that faces a beautiful tree for her spot. She enhances it by making a pot of tea and using a particular cup. In this space, she does her prayers and journaling. During the 20 to 45 minutes she uses this spot to meditate and contemplate it is her sacred spot. Later in the day, it is the family kitchen table.
Clear or Cluttered?
When thinking of our meditation room, I would say that it could be considered cluttered. It’s the whole “eye of the beholder” perspective though because everything in our space is a reminder of spirit and has been selected with the intention of enhancing the meditation experience.
We have spiritual books, artwork, minerals and crystals, Native American rattles, Tibetan bells, candles, incense, and other meaningful items. When our meditation room was a closet we had pillows and some beautiful scarves for curtains. Now that we have a meditation room and are older, our dogs (who meditate with us) use the pillows and we have chairs for meditation, reading, and for journaling. It suits us.
I have been in the sacred space of others who have chosen a minimalist set up with just a pillow and candle and found it equally inspirational. It really is personal preference and what works for you.
Setting up Your Space
Once you pick the space that feels good you can go to work. There are many good sources for creating and setting up a sacred space.
- The study of Feng Shui is a great way to set up your space. Check out the book “Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui” by Karen Kingston. Consider including all the elements in some way – wood, metal, water, and air. Wood and metal are easy. Water and air can be symbolic – water, seashells, the color blue, or a fountain. For air – pictures of clouds, windchimes, a flute or whistle are all good. Be creative!
- An article in Redfin, “Transformative Tips for Creating a Sacred Space in Your Home” showcases creative ways on how to transform a room into a personal sanctuary. Redfin reached out to a variety of wellness, meditation, yoga, and spirituality experts for creative ideas.
- “Rituals bring the body in sync with the soul” is something that Joan Chittister, author of Listen with the Heart wrote. Rituals can be important in your meditation practice and in creating and maintaining your sacred space. For instance:
– Rattling, clapping, or chanting creates energy that can clear space
– Lighting a candle or incense is another way to prepare to meditate.
– Music (ambient, instrumental, chants) help set a tone
You Carry Your Tools with You!
Do you have to have a space or need to practice any of these rituals in order to meditate? Absolutely not! You carry your meditation tools with you – your breath and your mind.
Meditation is a process and state of mind that can be accomplished anywhere. I meditate in my car, sitting on a bench, and walking in my neighborhood. It’s just that, for me, having a sacred space draws me in and makes slipping into meditation easier. That said, remember that having a room doesn’t help if you don’t show up, so making the effort is most important.
Let us know what some of your best practices are for setting up a sacred space or for tapping into your source, no matter where you are.
0 Comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks