Creating a sacred space in your home

Creating a sacred space is as simple as placing a single flower in a vase. Then setting it on your desk, table, windowsill, or anywhere you will see it often.
 
The idea is to create an ambience that supports your well-being. For some of you that may mean a full on altar where you can meditate.  For others it may look more like wallhangings representing your passion whether it be baseball or origami.
 
The result is the same. When gazing upon or entering into your sacred space, you instantly feel a sense of inner peace and belonging.
 
 
Work environment
 
Many of you are now working out of your homes. If you're lucky, you had already established a home office complete with desk, computer, and printer in a designated room.  Some of you may have had to become more creative, carving out a corner of the laundry room, the kitchen, or dining room. Each of these spaces offer you endless possibilities!
 
 
Preparation
 
You'll be using all of your senses so take a big deep breath in and out. Ground yourself. Breathe into your heart chakra.  That’s right in the center of your chest.  And set your intention to create your own personal sacred space.
 
 
Part 1
 
Begin by looking around at every wall, floor, ceiling.
Notice the lighting fixtures, the window dressings.
Sit down at your desk. Is it organized or cluttered?
 
Listen to the background sounds. You may find that your overhead fan makes an unbearable whirring sound. You may be able to hear what’s going on in the rest of the house.
Is it quiet? Loud?
 
Breathe in and smell. That’s right. How does your office space smell?
Is it sweet and fragrant? Or musty?  Is it fresh and clean? Or stale and dusty?
 
Keep going!  We’re almost there.
 
Feel the chair you're sitting on. Is it comfortable? Hard, soft or somewhere in between?
How does the temperature feel? Does it feel cold or just right?
 
 
Part 2
 
Which area of the room do you spend most of your time in? If it’s at your desk, you’ll focus on that area. If it’s in a winged chair by the window, focus there.
 
Let’s take your desk for example. Going back to whether it’s cluttered or organized. An organized desk is like a blank canvas or even a clear mind. It is the perfect setting to begin your day with focus.
 
How to organize
 
Filing system. This can be done in your file cabinet, desk drawer or desk file organizer. Label all of your folders or place stickie notes on the top page of any project and paperclip them together. These options create a uniformed look.
 
Place your pens and accessories in a drawer or holder vs having them scattered about.
 
Keep your electronic equipment/devices available in order of their usage. ie. Desktop computer and monitor belong where else but on the top of your physical desk! 
 
I’ve been using laptops for the past decade. I like to move around, and they provide me with the flexibility of doing so. So, my laptop is placed … on the top of my desk or in the middle drawer of my desk. It is my first go-to. Make your first go-to readily accessible.
 
If you have multiple devices like an iPad or iPhone (you can see I’m a big Apple fan!), keep those devices that are least used tucked away, ideally in a desk drawer where they can be easily accessible. 
 
Most people can’t be parted with their mobile phones, so yours is usually on you. Word of caution - you may want to keep your phone off of your person ie, don’t carry it in your pocket. Although small, the electrical currents carried do not serve your body. 
 
Back to your workspace
 
Sit in your chair and ask yourself what could make you feel happier in this spot. What would brighten your area up? What would inspire you to do your most creative and effective work? Then let the ideas flow! 
 
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
 
Fresh flowers - they not only bring color and life into a room, but often fragrance.
 
Quotes - these may be from a spiritual deity or leader offering blessings. Or they might be from your favorite business leader offering you encouragement on your path.
 
Photo - of loved family members whom may very well be why you’re working! Of friends whose presence reminds you to celebrate at the end of the day or week. Of nature - peaceful scenes to relax your mind and body. Of your passion like a ballerina posing an arabesque or a football player making a touchdown. 
 
Incense - appeals to your sense of smell. It also has spiritual associations and helps to restore relaxation.
 
Crystals - each have their own magnetic healing properties. Learn about them and find one or more that bring you the benefits you seek. For instance amethyst may act as a natural tranquilizer, relieving stress and balancing your mood. It is known to activate spiritual awareness and intuition. 
 
Citrine is aligned with your third chakra located in your solar plexus also known as your power center. The crystal may be used to strengthen self esteem and empower any project you may be working on.
 
How to activate them?  Take several deep breaths in and out. Allow your eyes to relax while maintaining focus on your crystal, and set your intention.  “I now bring positive energy around my project, my day, my self!”
 
Have fun and place a candle next to your incense and crystals. Allocate an area of your desk for just these items. Place your flowers, photos, and quotes in another area. Your computer in the center.
 
You’ve just created a sacred work space!
 

Alana Cahoon is the Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of Mindfulness, Mantras & Meditations: 55 Inspirational practices to Soothe the Body, Mind & Soul. www.AlanaCahoon.com.

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