Consider what your sanctuary will provide
Think about what your needs are when it comes to your own sacred space. Maybe you’ve been seeking a place where you can be still and meditate. Perhaps you want to have a convenient spot to do yoga when time allows. If you’re artistic, you may want to create a space that brings out your creative side. Do you need to relax and let go? Do you need to get your creative juices flowing?
Know that your needs and desires may change over time, but the initial intention–to create your own personal space–will always be there. Whatever your interests may be, create this space from a place of purity within. The energy of the external world and everything you do day-to-day can be left outside of this space you create. Make it a place you want to be.
The perfect spot
Don’t let a lack of space deter you. The priority is to have a refuge for your mind, body, and soul to rejuvenate itself. You probably have an area of your home where you feel safe and relaxed. If you’ve never noticed, take a walk around and sense what place feels good. Trust your intuition as you seek out the right spot. This aspect is more important than any other detail.
An ideal space is near a window that lets light in and has a good flow of energy. If that’s not possible, your sanctuary can be as simple as being at the end of the kitchen table. It doesn’t even have to be an entire room. You can create a space outside in your garden or even a larger closet that isn’t being utilized. You may want privacy but having your sanctuary exposed allows you to notice it. Even if you can’t enter your space, seeing it will remind you of stillness, peace, and safety.
Create your space with intention
If you’ve thought about what you want out of your sanctuary and where it will be, it’s now time to create your space. You know what your emotional, mental, and spiritual needs are so you can incorporate objects to support those needs. Remove anything from the room that is not going to serve a purpose. Knowing what you need most out of your sanctuary will allow you to add objects that will aid those needs. You can incorporate objects that heighten all your senses, giving you the thoughts and feelings you require from your sanctuary. Below is a list of items that help deepen your desired experience.
Items for Relaxation
A lavender eye pillow
A cozy chair or a stack of pillows
Soothing music
Stones for promoting relaxation: blue chalcedony, amethyst, or abalone
Items for Meditation
Stones that assist a meditative state: clear quartz, blue calcite, and turquoise
A “zafu” or meditation cushion. If you have a bad back, a comfortable chair is recommended
A small object to focus on. This could be the statue of a deity you have chosen to honor
Incense sticks
Items for Creativity
Stones that allow you tap into your creativity: citrine, carnelian, and tiger’s eye
Plants (proven to boost creativity)
A vision board full of creative ideas (alternatively, take a quick peek on Pinterest)
Scents like cinnamon and vanilla boost creative levels
Items for Energizing
Stones for energizing: tourmaline and fluorite
Citrus scents or a coffee bean candle
Based on color therapy, violet and red boost your energy levels
A sunrise-simulating light especially in the winter months
…but keep it simple
Keeping your space simple prevents mind clutter. Consider the feng shui of your space. Does it allow for energy to flow in and out? Does it make you feel spacious? An open space will reflect an open mind. It will provide room for a yoga or movement practice, too. This container provides a safe space to practice and try new things on your own, where there is no judgment from the outside. You may want to keep the walls free and clear so you can use it during a yoga practice, or even seated meditation for back support.
You can create more simplicity by choosing to rub whatever essential oil suits you best on your favorite pillow. This eliminates the need for candles or an infuser. Having a deck of inspirational cards can reduce clutter too. Instead of displaying inspirational quotes, you can just choose a quote daily. Include objects that give you the energy you need, help inspire you or get you into the mind frame for meditation, yoga, or another sacred ritual.
Create a boundary for your sacred space
What your boundaries are for your sacred space is personal for you. Most people that create a sanctuary choose to have it for themselves. Your space may be a welcome area for friends and family. If not, let your family or roommates know that when you’re in your space, you don’t want to be disturbed. For example, you may immediately get out of bed in the morning and practice yoga in your space. If you share a house with roommates or a partner, ensure you will not be bothered. Ask those around you to respect your sanctuary and “me” time.