As parental burnout and pandemic anxiety wore me down in early 2021, I was desperate for a dedicated space to decompress, reflect on my goals and carve out time for some much-needed self care. I’m not talking about a quiet, new work space. What I really needed was a place to rest and recharge. An escape from the everyday. A retreat from the chaos of kids and chores. I needed a sacred space.
“Sacred?” you ask with one eye brow raised and a finger poised to click off the page. “Sounds pretty far out…”
Before I scare you away with talk of meditation, crystals, and burning sage to banishing bad vibes, remember a sacred space is all about what is sacred to YOU. If you’re into yoga and meditation, cool. Prayer and scripture? Awesome. But it you just want a place to chill and read a book or have a cup of tea, that works too.
What makes the space sacred is intention. I intended to create a space apart from all other spaces for the purpose of self care and reflection, something I often put off in my busy life. What is this “self care” buzzword you may have heard so often on social media?
Self care is a conscious act to promote your own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. It could be as simple as taking a walk for some fresh air, drinking plenty of water and feeding yourself nourishing food. Or, it can become your whole approach to life–a new mindset to put your needs first and thrive. When we distract ourselves and don’t make time for self care, it’s common to feel burned out, overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. Sound familiar?
Maybe you could use a self-care space, too! Think of it as your hide-out, away from the busy world, where you can find a little peace and purpose. Here’s how I carved out my sacred space. It’s been my oasis on stressful days.
Step 1: Pick a Spot
Which area of your home is free from distractions? The main living space in my house is often cluttered with kids’ toys and dirty dishes (despite my best efforts to keep things tidy), so I knew I had to create my sacred space off the beaten path. Clutter can trigger anxiety for many people, myself included, so choose a place that you can keep neat and clean.
If I had an office, that would be an ideal location, but with all the bedrooms filled with kiddos, I settled on an empty corner of my bedroom. While quiet and calm is not guaranteed, I can shut the door and lock out the commotion for a little while. If you’re in an apartment, or just short on space, the top of a nightstand or dresser will do.
Step 2: Plan It Out
I love the feeling of calm and wellbeing I get from yoga and meditation, so my relaxation space had to accommodate my yoga mat. I also enjoy reading esoteric books, reflecting on oracle cards, collecting healing crystals and journaling, so I needed to budget for a bookshelf to house all my special stuff. You may decide relaxation is your priority and a comfy armchair, pillow and blanket is perfect.
Also, think about ambiance and lighting. Will you burn candles? String some delicate fairy lights? Maybe you have a vintage lamp that is perfect for your cozy corner. How often will you use this space? Everyday? A couple of times a week? Try making a list of items or sketch out your ideal space and build from there.
Step 3: Personalize
This step is so much fun. Unearth your old treasures. Let your personality shine. Think about colors and textures. When it comes to relaxation, sensory details matter. I adore the velvety feel of this pearly white cushion for meditation. It really softens the space.
If you like the sound of running water, consider adding a miniature fountain. This one is lit with a glass orb that sparkles in the dark.
Some of my crystals made it out of the box to decorate the space and I love it.
My books and oracle cards are also on display.
Don’t forget about your sense of smell. I enjoy the fragrance of candles when I’m using my space, so I have a lot to choose from. Aromatherapy and essential oils are also great for self-care.
If you love nature, bring it indoors with easy-to-care-for succulents or an oxygenating snake plant. Have fun with it!
Step 4: Enjoy
This may be the hardest part! Finding time to enjoy your sacred space can be a challenge if you work long hours, take care of a family, or spend a lot of time away from home. I recommend coming up with a routine that includes relaxing for a few minutes in your special spot everyday.
Journaling in the morning or evening before bed is a great way to ensure you are utilizing your space and taking time for self care. I like to take 15 minutes a few times each week to listen to affirmations, guided meditations, mantras and relaxing music while gazing at my fountain. It really re-centers me and uplifts my energy.
While I do struggle to use my sacred space everyday, knowing it’s there when I need to retreat into solitude makes me happy. When I walk into that corner, I am filled with a sense of peace and wellbeing. I hope this post inspires you to create your own spot to rest, reflect on life, and recharge your batteries. We can all use a retreat from this crazy world. Who knows, you may get your next great writing idea while deep in meditation.
Love and light,
Marie
For More Ideas on Creating a Self-Care Space:
- “How to Create a Sacred Space in Your Home,” Dwell In Magic blog
- “Creating a Sacred Self Care Space,” Soul Care Mom blog
- “3 Popular Ways to Create a Beautiful Yoga/Meditation Space,” Rose-Minded blog
Marie McKoy 