Millions of people around the world begin each day with meditation. Millions more are discovering the added benefits of conducting their daily commune within a space devoted specifically to quietude, introspection, or prayer. This article will provide historic insight as well as a few pointers as to how to create a sacred space designed just for you.
Body, mind, and spirit
With renewed interest in the practice of meditation, many of those interested in learning this most ancient of introspective techniques are unaware that in many past and present-day cultures, meditation is but one part of a holistic approach to achieving balance in one’s day to day life.
Changes in diet, behavior, attitude, and other fundamental elements ultimately affecting the body, mind, and spirit relationship have long been recognized as having a great influence on the effectiveness of meditation.
Hallowed ground
For many individuals, a key element in achieving this desired balance lies in the creation of a “sacred space” in which to interact with the universe, as well as interact with the various personal discoveries brought about by the meditative process. (Evidence of individual sacred spaces can be traced back tens of thousands of years and are found all over the world.) These spaces become an individual’s sanctuary and for many, their “hallowed ground.”
An evolving space
A “sacred space” must first and foremost reflect the individual.
Whether it’s a little corner of the bedroom or workspace, a garden, or an entire room dedicated to meditation and pursuit of the spiritual, it must be a manifestation of one’s individual spirit and energy. It must speak of one’s inner self in such a way that it instantly reconnects you to your inner self each time you enter. (This may indeed mean that it feels completely foreign and even uncomfortable to others.)
But this does not mean that it should be an unchanging and static environment; as you change, so should your sacred space change with you. After all, this space is meant to help you grow beyond your present self. Thus, a sacred space should reflect your personal growth, unfolding and evolving as you discover previously unknown aspects of yourself.
Steps
Before you begin creating a personal sacred space, you should first establish in your mind what you want it to accomplish.
The initial step is to choose a place that will fulfill your purpose; a space that can be singularly yours. A place left undisturbed when you are not within it.
Once space is chosen, sit down, clear your mind, and envision that space as it will be once it has been transformed. No need to think in terms of expensive or elaborate decor; simplicity is often the key.
Is it a room where pillows will cover the floor and scented candles will burn?
Is it a garden where a walkway will allow you to stroll near flower beds and inhale the sweet aroma?
Is it a corner of a room where you can sit in a comfy chair while gazing out the window with soft music playing?
No rules
Only you can decide. Only you can know what inner you require.
Once space is chosen, you should clear the space of every object now there. It is essential, to begin with, a completely neutral space–one that every object placed within it is of your choosing–hand-selected by you, for you.
But before the first person object is added, sit in your space, light a single candle, and mentally imagine any negative thoughts or energies from the past being blown away.
If you like, close your eyes and sing a song, or recite a poem, or simply state out loud the purpose of your new space: “I claim this place as my sacred space. Every thought and idea manifested here will be my own. I will come here to be alone with the evolving me.”
And as you delve deeper into your inner self through the meditative process–yes, it is a process–perhaps you’ll find that shells you collect from the beach are called for. Or maybe rocks, driftwood, photographs, or other objects that bring you a sense of peace will find their way there. In this place, there are no rules!
Be creative
Don’t be afraid to be creative. Listen to your intuition. There are no wrong answers if they come from within you.
This is the one place you can express yourself as freely as you choose.
And once established, every time you meditate there you will gain important, deeper insight into your inner self. And most certainly, a day will arrive when you will find peace and balance that can only come from within.
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