Nurture Your Spirit: Create a Sacred Space
Posted: Thursday, February 26, 2009
by Val Silver
TapInfinity
Did you know that you could have sacred spaces in your home? You can make them as simple or elaborate as you like. Some people set up a formal home altar with religious icons where they meditate or pray alone or as a family. Others may keep it very personal by using a dresser drawer, a shadow box on the wall or a tiny space on a shelf dedicated to treasured items or photos. You can also have a designated spot outside for this purpose.
Having a special area is way of nurturing your soul and spirit. There is so much in our outer and inner worlds that are in a state of unrest. They leave us feeling weary, burdened and stressed. When you are feeling this way, a moment spent in your sacred space helps remind you of your connection to the Divine, and/or to the people, places or things that touch your soul and spirit. Even a purposeful quick glance can bring a sense of centering, grounding and rest.
I have several such spaces. To the unknowing eye, they look just like a collection of mementos or photographs. One grouping sits on top of a small bookcase. It holds photos of deceased loved ones and a few items from their homes. Here I can connect with them through memories and spirit. It's a way of knowing we are not alone.
Two red stones from Sedona's Bell Rock sit on the fireplace mantel. A corner of a windowsill is home to a mystical clay figure I formed intuitively in clay class. It holds a photo of my beloved dog and semi-precious gemstones. They remind me that I am part of something greater than myself, and that the earth holds secrets I don't understand, yet am drawn to anyway.
I share this to show you that all you need for a sacred area are items representing people and things that are deeply meaningful and nurturing to your soul. You can do this anywhere. Some people put statuettes or religious icons in their cars. They wear and touch a locket from someone special. I keep a piece of bark from "my" tree on the computer at work. It's my secret mental "transporter" to warm summer days spent bicycling to the marsh where it lives.
Two keys to setting up your space:
The first key is that no matter how large or small your designated area, place and the mementos you've chosen apart from everything else around it. Just a little separation from your other items is enough. What's more important is that you set them apart in your mind, with your intent. You can share the significance of the spot with others, or keep it as your own little secret.
Secondly, choose items that are meaningful to you or represent special people or times. Put the items that your intellect says you "should" include somewhere else. Sacred spaces are for the things that truly touch your soul. Trust your inner guidance.
These two guidelines are important if you want your personal altar to serve as a spiritual aid. Think of this outer space you are creating as being symbolic of the inner sacred space already inside you. "As within so without, as without so within" the ancient Hermetic Law states. When you honor and remember those inner parts of yourself by designating special areas in your outer world, you nurture and strengthen your connection to your spirit throughout the day.
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Hi Val,Some good stuff here, God speaks of meeting him in the secret place, this is special to me and keeps my life in balance.Yes, I know what you mean. Of course on a grander scale nature itself is a sacred space to me- watching the sunset over the lake or deer crossing the road. ..
Val
I too have many special places that center me and make me feel good. It helps me shut out the constant drone of the tele. Enjoyed your article.Thank you,Linda DOh, I hear you. Don't you just sometimes wish the tele was never invented- or at least had an auto- off for the day after a few hours? Now that's an idea!
Val,You've done it again, great article! Much appreciated as well. Thanks for sharing this.
Very nice article, Val. We all need our private places at some time or other to truly communicate from the heart. Thanks for sharing with us.Have a great week-end.Sandra
hi val,i certainly agree. i had small spots, and have eventually gotten to the point that my whole room is filled only with things that bring me peace and happiness, and hope. i have healing stones and crystals and indian pieces and angels, and 2 down featherbeds, and it is my space to get back in touch with myself. thank you for sharing this, hopefully many more can do this for themselves as well,my best regards,sue thomGee, I'd love to see a picture of your space, it sounds really nice! Enjoy it. Val
My sacred places are clear of all artifacts. They are simply places where I go to meet with God. Just the interplay of light and inner mood are enough for God to enter my heart.Hi Walter,
Yes, I hear you-mine are for the most part too- outside in nature for me! But for when I can't be out there, I enjoy a little "reminder" in my space. Thanks for commenting, Val
Hi Val! God's secret place is so important in our lives that we cannot imagine. Very nice article. And Keep inspiring...God bless you.
Val, I am with you on this, my special place is in writing...it helps me connect to what I like doing best. This is my tranquil time, it is 11:33 pm, and this is my special place, in my office. Writing. and reading fine work such as this. I am at peace. The day is done, and it is quiet. No Television, no radio...just the ticking of my grandfather clock, and reading....This is the time I allow myself to be at peace, at the end of the day.....thank you for sharing this article, it was a great read....I also like camping, watching the animals in the wild, the deer crossing the road, I the quietness of the crickets on a warm summer night, holding my wife close to me, as if we were one....that is what life is all about.....Your friend in pen, and fan....Gary.Hi Gary, Sorry it took me so long to comment- been out of the loop for a while. I could feel the peace in your writing about your "sacred space". That really is what it's about, having it on the inside, like you do in your writing times. Val
My sister-in-law has created a sacred space in her home and starts each day there in meditation. She says it gets her in the right frame of mind to begin each day. Thanks for sharing your ideas on the subject Val.
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