When you launch and announce your blog and do not post again for two weeks…

It is pretty laughable that I am writing this right now. I am sitting in my dark bedroom where my kids have all piled in with me one by one for various reasons. Today has been full of excitement including mud and sand play, grilling out, me trying (and failing due to technical difficulties) to lead an online class, an argument (never fun) and navigating around spring break life with everyone home for the holiday. So what do I know about creating Sacred Space? How is it even possible?

Actually, it can be pretty easy. If I can do it, you can too.

Let’s talk about what I mean by Sacred Space. There are a few ways to approach this. For some, Sacred Space is a physical location where you find sanctuary and peace. This can be a church or temple. Many find refuge in nature, like on a hike or at the beach. This can be a designated spot in your home where you like to read or rest. A favorite chair or a spot on the porch. Many people may set up an altar including their favorite things within their home where they retreat for quiet reflection.

Currently my husband and I are restoring a historic home. It is beautiful as it is coming back together, but there are still an extraordinary amount of things to accomplish. Toss in our kids and it is a recipe for constant movement and noise. Because I do not have a specific spot to call my own yet, I make my Sacred Space portable. I have a few items that I hold dear and if I am planning to have a minute to myself, I bring them with me. For example, right now I want to write while everyone else is sleeping so I have my favorite oils and rocks with me, to help motivate and inspire me, and a necklace that belonged to my grandmother. (She had ten children and lived to be almost 93, so yeah. I call on Hazel a lot!) Earlier, when it was time to lead the online class, I parked myself at our dining room table and had candles, stones and hot tea in my favorite black milk glass cup. The energy that I carry with the items helps me to focus on what I want to accomplish with my time. They can be anything, or nothing! It is up to you. I just love my stuff, but they are not necessary!

While physical location can be a factor when considering Sacred Space, it truly is less significant than the time you allow for yourself, spent doing something that nurtures you in a healing and positive way. Some pray, others meditate, while lately, I write. You can make time for yourself anywhere, anytime you want. Yes, anytime! Here’s how.

I have changed my definition of “a moment to myself”. I used to feel like I had to have an allotted, uninterrupted amount of perfectly quiet time. I needed to be in a comfortable, seated position, so as to not fall asleep if I was to focus and meditate successfully. I needed to have as many of my treasured items listed above on hand, set up in a perfectly beautiful arrangement. I had to know that, if home, my kids were safe. The steps to creating my Sacred Space were not at all relaxing, but stressful. It felt impossible.

When I do choose to create a quiet time for myself, I will wait until the baby is napping and I can pop a video on for the kids, if my husband is not home. I let everyone know that I just need a few minutes to myself. Believe it or not, this works pretty well after a few times. But not always. Kids are kids and they will beat down the door if they have to when they feel in need. Once I accepted this, I quit getting frustrated. I decided to just help or answer the question, then remind them I am taking a minute and send them on their way. That is how I own the moment instead of feeling like my Sacred Space was interrupted, once again.

But waiting for this “moment of perfect quiet” to come will never happen. There is no such thing. At least not if you are looking at the outside world around you or engaging with the infinite train of thoughts in your brain.

Sacred Space starts within your heart. You, in any moment, can find peace, regardless of where you are and what is happening around you. How to get there is different for each of us. I sigh a lot because I like the release of a deep breath. I will also just hold my hand over my heart and feel my heart beat. This helps me to find my inner Sacred Space. When I can do this with attention, it changes any situation I may currently be facing. Maybe not exactly what is happening, but how I feel about it does. This energy shift then automatically creates the moment I need, because only I decide how I feel.

If that isn’t Sacred Space, I am not sure what is.

As I wrap this up and we part ways, do yourself a favor. Figure out what works for you and how you create Sacred Space. Do not be influenced by my view or methods, other than to find your own. Try mine, if you like, but you truly know what works best for you! Tell me about your Sacred Space, please! I may use it!

Yours in love,

Laura