 Creating a Sacred Space
The word "sacred' has its origin in the Middle
Eastern word "sacren' which denotes "to consecrate", in Old French
"sacrer' and in Latin "sacrare' which signifies "to make holy". "Space'
derived from the Old French word "espace' and the Latin "spatium' is
defined as "to flourish, expand, and succeed." Further definitions
include "independence, privacy and freedom to follow one's own
interests." (Webster's New World Dictionary, 3rd College Edition) The
creation of a space or spot is critical to self-care especially during
busy holiday seasons and special events. In order to be the person you
want to be during a special event, having a space for a "time-in" helps
restore your equilibrium and allows you to be back in your own skin.
According to Nora Issacs, author of Sacred Spaces, a sacred space
"whether it's a room, a corner or merely a special chair- provides a
restorative refuge from the rigors of daily life." She also explains
that by establishing this sacred space one can gain clarity about their
life purpose and the difference one might make in the world. What a
great way to honor yourself by creating a sacred space in your home to
relax, refresh, rejuvenate, renew and retreat. You are might be
thinking. "The kids won't give me a moments peace." "How can I take
time for myself when there's so much to do?" I know a woman who carved
out time just before arriving home. She would drive to a local park and
relax into the seat of her car, breathe and visualize herself swaying
in a hammock on a beautiful tropical island. She took 10 - 15 minutes
just for herself. When she arrived home she was much more relaxed and
able to handle the symphony of her family life. Another woman I know
locks herself in her bathroom for 10 minutes and listens to music. I
find that when I become overwhelmed, I need to become aware of
breathing slower and give my self permission to take things in at a
slower place and become fully present in the moment. Then I am able to
keep events in perspective and like the song from Sound of Music "then
I don't feel so bad". For me having a space is important. I now have my
outdoor "healing garden" as my niece calls it. I have a certain chair I
like and my bedroom is serene like a forest. Next on my list is to
design my office space to further foster and support my creativity and
practice. Sacred
space can be a physical space or a space in time that allows you to
re-connect to your joyous serene center. So what can you do to create a
sacred space for yourself?
- Gather support from your family for your honoring self-care.
- Select an area or spot just for you.
- Place objects or things from nature that re-fresh and speak to your spiritual core.
- Schedule a time for your mini-retreat or family connection.
- Give yourself permission to just Be.
- Have fun, enjoy, laugh, meditate, sing or do whatever brings you pleasure and connects you to the essence of you. Inquiry: What is your concept of a sacred space and what would it contain? Colleen
Crook is a Certified Life and Leadership Coach and a Certified Passion
Test(TM) Facilitator. She is known as The Passions to Action Coach. She
has over 30 years experience in the field of Occupational Therapy as a
manager,supervisor,mentor, facilitator and therapist both in the
national and international arenas. She is passionate about sparking the
best in individuals and assisting in making the impossible possible
while leading with spirit. You can visit her at http://www.consciouslivingconnection.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colleen_Crook
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