My Place: How to Create a Sacred Space a Home
Humans nest! We create homes decorated to represent our personality. Items and images are displayed to remind us of the meaningful journey we’ve taken. Possessions are collected to reflect who we are now or who we would like to become.
Is home still sacred?
Home isn’t simply a safe place, offering protection from physical threat. Home is an emotional space too, offering shelter from psychological danger and stress.
But what if we were suddenly forced to let all that danger and stress into our home; work, colleagues, kids education - even the boss (virtually). Suddenly home doesn’t feel so sacred anymore.
What is a Sacred Space?
A sacred space is a place you can go to recover energy. It can conjure up feeling of relaxation, motivation, wellbeing, creativity, quiet, accomplishment and much more.
Whatever the emotional reward, a visit to your sacred space should make you happy and leave you feeling energised, invigorated and reminded of who you really are.
Where is a Sacred Space?
It could be a room; a study, kitchen, garage or home-gym for example. It could be a space in a room; a reading corner, a mantlepiece, a cooking area or even a bathtub.
A sacred space doesn’t have to be in your home. It could be in your garden, out on your bike, at a park bench or by the river. Wherever it is, it must make you happy. My sacred space is in the bay window of my kitchen.
Personalise your Sacred Space
Your sacred space should embody you. It should reflect your beliefs, ground you, enhance creativity, offer freedom or release, reminisce occasions and much more. Personalise your sacred space with items, images and decoration that reinforce your desired emotions. Items to consider include pictures, books, decorations, rugs, hobby equipment and more.
Add Ambience to your Scared Space
The simple act of dimming the lights or flicking on a reading lamp could be the transition into your scared space. Add sounds and smells to your sacred space too. Scented candles, flowers, food and drink, favourite music or sounds. Is it warm and cosy in your scared space or do you like it fresh? Personally, a trip to my sacred space is sub-optimal without a scented candle, a cup of tea and some chilled reggae music.
What to do it your Sacred Space?
Dance like no one is watching! Seriously, if you want to dance in your sacred space do it. There’s lots of ways to enjoy your scared space; meditation, yoga, workout, read, listen to music, draw, journal, and much more.
In my sacred space I sometimes relax reading a novel. At other times I go there to be inquisitive; reading journals or watching educational videos. I also like to go to my sacred space to be creative - like writing this article right now!
Is your Scared Space private?
You don’t have to be alone in your sacred space. You can nurture meaningful friendships or feel connected to family by using your scared space to host calls or video chats with people you cherish.
Your sacred space doesn’t have to be private. It can be the dinner table if you relish family meal times. It could be the kitchen if your idea of relaxing or being creative is cooking.
My sacred space is often shared with my fiancé. We meet for 3pm coffee and chocolate biscuits and download the day - with no phones allowed.
When to Visit your Sacred Space?
The beauty of your scared space is you can go whenever you like! But to benefit emotionally and mentally from visiting your sacred space you need to go there regularly.
Luckily humans are habitual creatures. We have all developed our habits, which includes our own form of self-care; a glass of wine at the pub on a Friday night, wild swimming with friends in a nearby river or riding our bike on the Sunday club run. Routine provides structure, security and a sense of control - sensations we’re all in need of right now.
Sadly, our habitual routines have been taken from us. That doesn’t mean we can’t create a new - temporary one. It may be simpler, quieter and in the confines of our own home. However, these slower, simpler pastimes might just transcend into our lives post-lockdown, and enhance the emotional wellbeing of our future selves.
This is my scared space!
Inspiration for your Sacred Spaces
I visited the home of a cycling friend. His cellar-cum-workout space was beautifully embellished with race numbers, medals and photographs of past cycling exploits.
Another friend has recently landscaped her garden - complete with fire pit. She and her husband relish evenings sat enjoying its warm glow.
An artist I know has an enviable study space. The walls are elaborately decorated with his artwork. Brushes, paints and canvas are meticulously arranged like a museum display.
I hope this article inspires you to create a sacred space you’ll enjoy.
This article is my personal reflections on an article in Massage and Bodywork Magazine. You can read the full article about Sacred Spaces in Massage and Bodywork Jan/Feb issue.