By Jessica Beck
A growing challenge, and equal request is to find quiet spaces in our everyday lives. Interestingly, more often than the outer environment being the culprit of mayhem, it’s the internal chitter-chatter of our minds causing all sorts of ruckus.
How do we slow it all down and come ‘home’ to peace, calm and quiet within and without? Can it really be as simple as pillows and incense?
Leading experts in the fields of medicine and meditation all agree, our environment is very important to setting ourselves up for rest. For most of our day and right into wee hours of night, our mind is on high functioning by multi-tasking past and future events.
What if, for only 20 minutes, each day there was a room, corner or nook that imbued tranquility. By coming home to this tranquil place, there is greater opportunity to ‘turn off’ the mind and that all crazy chitter-chatter. And, yes, it really might be just a few pillows and stick of sweet smelling incense that sends you to another world of calm, ease and grace.
1. Clear out a special place
Designate an area large or small that is dedicated for sitting, or laying down to meditate, or simply be mindful; it could be listening to gentle music, reading inspirational books, or writing your memoir while sipping earl grey tea. Be sure to clear this area of anything that triggers stress; old bills, former boyfriend pictures, to-do lists….Fold up, pack up and store away anything at all that distracts you from the present moment.
2. Clean Naturally
Using essential oils is a powerful way to clean your sacred space, and whole house. A natural cleaner provides a fresh aroma, but can also provide ‘aroma-medicine’ if using a high quality therapeutic grade essential oil. A natural cleaning solution is so good for the body, mind and soul. Try classic cleaning oils such as tea tree diluted in water, or get creative with your favorite blends.
3. Set Intention
Napoleon Hill, the author of “Think and Grow Rich” shared a lot more than how to get rich, he shared the concept of the power behind strong intention. What his years of research showed of successful people is a common ability to set an intention with clarity. One way of doing this, as it applies to your sacred space, is to clean, arrange and come in and out of your space with intention that it provide you with tranquility, in exchange for you taking care it.
4. Use Feng Shui or Ayurveda
The ancient art of placement is still practiced in many cultures who remember and recognize the power of object placement, color and sounds; such as trickling water falls. At your book store, or pinterest search feng shui or ayurveda tips that resonate – it might be facing east, or west. It could be the addition of a certain color, such as purple to invite riches, or red for passion. Often, these resources are entertaining if not life transforming!
5. Light
It all comes down to lighting. Is there natural light? Our bodies, brain and soul crave the natural world, and in particular natural light. If possible, designate your sacred space nearby a potential sunbeam. If not, and instead your sacred space is more Harry Potter-under-the-stairs like, then allow for a splurge on a light fixture you really love.
6. Break All The Rules
That’s the great thing about your sacred space. It is yours to be free of to-do’s and should’s. This is the space you go to for total nourishment of self-love and acceptance. Let go of exteriors in this space and allow for your true nature to come out and set about artifacts that align with your highest values. In your sacred space it is all about you, and tones, patterns and positioning take on a magical quality rather than a style or trend.
The ultimate sacred space is one that you find beauty in and can appreciate as a place to respect and honor that it takes care of you, and in turn you take of it. Plants are wonderful reminders, and loyal companions to enjoy or quiet moments with.
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