Sacred Space

The concept of "sacred space" has been around as long as the idea of a higher power and worship. Churches, temples, mosques, altars, burial grounds, and even natural formations of the earth have been created or tended and used for the purposes of spiritual connection and worship.

In our own lives we can create sacred space as well. Participants in many religions create a space in their own home, a corner or section of a room that serves as an altar or a place for offerings. Often these sacred spaces are adorned with icons and other religious symbols such as statues or pictures as well as candles, flowers and incense. The sacred space serves to remind us to keep our attention on the spiritual and to make our home a place in which God dwells.

People who do not have a particular religious affiliation or specific practices within their religion for designing sacred space can also create such a place with their home. The sacred space can be a reminder as well as an actual place to pray or meditate, a place of peace and renewal.

To create a sacred space in your own home, you do not need an entire room though having an entire room is certainly a wonderful opportunity if you have that option. For most of us, we can choose a corner of a room or a window area. If you have a window seat, that would be a great place to arrange sacred space. Select an area that is not highly traveled and where there is the possibility of having a block of uninterrupted quiet time and where you can place some objects that will not be disturbed. You also want to make sure there is a way for you to be in your sacred space whether in a chair or on the floor or on a pillow on the floor.

You will want to have something on which you can put the objects you bring into your space. As part of creating my sacred space I bought a small unfinished shaker table and stained it myself. The entire process of preparing the table for the purpose of sacred space became a spiritual practice in itself.

Once you have decided on the space and set it up, bring objects into the space that you cherish and that will enhance your spiritual experience. Many people have a small indoor fountain. You can have a candle or candles to light when spending time in your sacred space. You may bring special stones or crystals, shells or other natural elements you have collected. Many people have images of spiritual leaders, representations of spirit or even pictures of family members. You may keep some special books of meditations or affirmations or other books that have special meaning to you. You may have other objects that bring you to a condition of thankfulness and openness such as cherished gifts from friends and family members. This is your space to be contemplative and peaceful and to enhance your connection with your higher power.

Your sacred space is a place to focus your attention on the spiritual. The benefit of having a sacred space is that it becomes a sanctuary. The more you make use of your sacred space as a place for meditation, contemplation and/or prayer, the more it evokes that peaceful state of mind when you enter it. It becomes a refuge from the stresses and demands of your life. Another element that makes your sacred space of great value is committing time to be in your sacred space on a daily basis. Many people start their day by coming to their sacred space to practice meditation, prayers of appreciation, and affirmations. Of course, these practices can be performed anywhere but having a dedicated sacred space adds an element of reverence and significance to your spiritual practice.

So, consider bringing the sacred into your own home in this important and deeply personal way. Create a space that is all your own where you can grow and deepen your relationship with your higher power and enhance your sense of inner peace.

© 2006, Davis Virtual Assistance. This article may not be reprinted or copied on any type of media either in part or in whole.

Dina Crawford is a personal life coach, seminar leader and writer. For more information visit http://www.wingsofawareness.com.