In our daily lives, we are consumed with tasks from work, school, meetings, errands and social activity. Where do I go when I’m all burnt out? Drained? In need of real self-care? For me, I go within myself in prayer and/or meditation, but I partake in such a ritual in a special nook of solitude and peace created by me, and for me. A sacred space is a personal sanctuary, essential for aligning ourselves with our inner voices, connecting with our Higher Power, and/or simply getting back on track emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Your space is unique to you, so remember to customize it to your liking. There is no right or wrong way. What I love the most about sacred spaces is that they can be tailored to any religion, denomination, or spiritual practice. The act of creating a space is completely universal. Keeping the word “sacred” in mind will help you to do so accordingly. Below are suggestions on how to create your own, so let’s get started, shall we?!
1. Define “Sacred”
First and foremost, what does “sacred” mean to you? Does it align with a spiritual practice or religion? Does it not? Do thoughts of prayer or meditation come to mind? Formulating your personal interpretation will develop a clearer image of what you envision your space to be.
2. Find a Location
A sacred space may be as intricate or “low key” as desired. Some people (like I plan to do one day) use an entire room dedicated to their place of spiritual self-care. If you’re like me and reside in a college dorm, you may be better off utilizing a space on your desk or on top of a dresser. It’s totally up to you! If necessary, gently remind your roommate that your sacred space is personal to you, and needs to be isolated from any company.
3. Decorate with Intention
When creating a space, intention and purpose is everything. Let it represent any and everything that speaks to your soul! Ask yourself: What symbolizes peace and positivity to you? Could it be loved ones? A religious or spiritual deity? Family heirlooms? Some suggestions include photos, religious figures (ex- crosses, Buddhist statues, etc.), precious objects, favorite things, plants or anything that speaks to you. For example, in my sacred space, I have a plethora of items including my crystals (Which are BOMB for producing positive energy by the way. You can view a crystal guide here), a necklace that belonged to my great grandmother, and a collection of letters that my mother sent me when I was a little girl. Whatever you do, choose objects that indulge your senses and have a significant meaning to you.
4. Create Affirmations
The very purpose of a sacred space is to feed your soul. An easy way to do so is to create and write your own affirmations, a process that has changed my life forever. A lot of people tell me that they would love to meditate, but do not know how. Affirmations are positive mantras to repeat in your mind over and over until they resonate. My personal choice was to write and display them above my space to recite every morning. The main idea is to be still, be quiet, and focus on a positive message for however long you must. The key word is positive. Often times we are so focused on worrying about our current situation, until there is no room for happy thoughts that could very well help us to rise above a negative circumstance. Don’t know where to start? Try “I am whole, complete, and in love with who I am.” Take at least five minutes a day to repeat this in your mind repetitively, and watch your life change!
5. Set the Mood
Finally, break out the candles, incense, essential oils, whatever you need to get in touch with the spirit in you. Personally, I choose to burn white sage is a way to purify and greet your space at home, and at college I would probably opt for a soothing essential oil, such as lavender. Some people prefer soft music (India Arie, Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu are excellent choices) or sounds of nature, and some prefer total silence. The key is to utilize what you need and want for your experience.
I hope these tips find you well, and happy soul searching everyone!
Love and light,
Maya
