Submitted by: Kim McGinnis(6) Our Inner Source Log in to become a member of Kim McGinnis's Fan Club!
Do you sometimes wish you could just quit your job, and take off for a week (or
more), and just get away. Pressures from finances and relationships can wreak
havoc on your hearts and minds. And because of obligations and responsibilities
there is often little time (or money) to do anything about it. So, why not
create your own sacred space in your own home?
There are many things you
can do to turn an ordinary space in to a sanctuary. If you do not live alone,
pick a room or area that is yours - and put your mark on it. The idea is for you
to have your own place where you can go to relax. What you do there is entirely
up to you: read a book, practice some yoga poses, write in your journal,
etc.
To get started you need to know what types of things calm you, and,
at the same time, may inspire you. This is very personal, so if you have never
thought about this before, it's time you did. Your sacred place is meant to
enliven your senses in a way that makes you playful and creative. This is your
time to escape the rat race of the outside material world, and go within to your
divine inner world (our inner Source) - where all the goodies
lie.
Experiment with colors, scents and textures Set the mood with
candles, fill the air with the scent of lavender, and lay red silky pillows on
the floor. Adorn your space with a stone Buddha statue or a serene yoga
figurine. See how their presence affects you. Be patient, and fun with the
process.
Sit quietly in your space and feel how you are with the
silence. Then try a little music in the background. Try Mozart or Deva Premal
(my favorite); musical tastes cover the gamut so pick something you like, which
also puts you in a state leaning toward serenity.
You may want to have a
pretty container with some luxurious and beautifully scented cream. As you
settle in your sacred space scoop some into your fingertips, and slowly massage
the rich lotion into your hands and on your arms. While you are doing this,
breathe. Do not worry about deep breathing or whether you are doing it
correctly, just focus on the act of breathing itself.
Have a glass of
pure clean drinking water nearby. Treat yourself to a sip, and silently express
your gratitude of being replenished in such a natural way. Look around you. Give
yourself no expectations or goals to accomplish. This is your time to rest. If
you feel the urge to write, pull out your journal or your big yellow pad and
write. If you feel like laying on your back and letting go, do that. Listen to
your intuition, and honor this divine message.
This time, this space is
for you. You not only deserve it, you need it - we all do. All too often
we think of our needs last. You may think, "It's okay, I can handle it." The
truth is when you ignore self-care, it becomes harder and harder to recover from
the damage. And then the ways in which you implement your care will require more
time (and more drastic methods) to be effective.
Don't wait until the
universe forces you to focus on your needs. And do not forget about the
universal Law of Attraction-if you take care of yourself, others will respond to
you will a caring attitude. Stop, right now, and begin the process of
envisioning your sacred space. Close your eyes, and visualize what your room
will look like. Surf the net to get ideas, go to a nearby mall or art gallery,
and call your friends and family. Inspiration requires action. Just know, your
spiritual healing will be well worth the effort.
And don't limit yourself
to a space in the comfort of your home. It is wonderful to create this sanctuary
inside, but it can be just as nourishing to refresh your spirit by being
outside. When we are sitting with nature we are giving ourselves the opportunity
to connect with the simple purity of the earth. This is a zen gift we are giving
ourselves.
Try choosing a spot on your patio. Experiment going outside
to reflect at different times of the day. At night it may especially quiet and
tranquil. Invest in a small fountain - the movement of water will create a
powerful chi (life force energy). Notice the smell of fresh grass, and then let
your head lift in gratitude and notice the stars smiling down at you.
Another wonderful way to enjoy and appreciate the dark night is to add
Zen Fireflies to
you backyard. Put them up in the day, and become mesmerized by the way they come
alive at night. Let yourself connect to their playful movement and you will feel
as if you are dancing with them.
Inspirational items for your home do not
need to be expensive. Check out my website (...a zen gift) for wonderfully unique gifts
(like Zen Fireflies) and other calming pieces to adorn your sacred space.
Have fun, and approach your task like an adventure. Create your own little
sanctuary with your new best friend - you.
Copyright 2007, Avenstar
Enterprises, Inc. / Zen Fireflies
This author of this Article has choosen to make this article available with free reprint rights. Click here to copy this article.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
