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 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.
Why have a sacred space? 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.
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 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.
Why have a sacred space? 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.