This post is all about sacred space. You might have noticed that the blog has a new look on the sidebars. I wanted to simplify things a bit, and make it a little easier to find all of my links. I really go back and forth with the simplicity thing. I see alot of blog spaces that I truly love that are very clean, simple, white. But anytime I think I want to do something like that with my own blog, my heart does not feel light about it. Ive come to realize, its just not who I am, and I want this space to always reflect who I am. There is so much talk going around the blog sphere about how your blog 'should' be. I feel like that takes away from all of our individual ideas of beauty, and reflections of ourselves. Id much rather my blog feel like a reflection of me, than a reflection of someone else's idea of pretty. So anyway... yet again, I revamped my blog. I tend to do this every so often. There are still a few adjustments I would love to make, that Im still not certain how to do. I learn as I go, and I dont know alot about design... So baby steps. I dont like how the side bars dont go all the way down the blog... Things like that. But Ill figure it out one day... (my favorite part is the 'visit the shops' link... click on it, youll see why).
Now, about sacred space... (my blog is just one of my little sacred spaces I believe). Our latest activity in
Intuitive Heart Sanctuary was to create a Sacred Space in our home. Even though I feel like I have done this alot as I have decorated our home, those spaces always get run over with daily stuff. But, in essence, my entire house is my little sanctuary and sacred space. I really wanted to join in on this activity though, and have focused attention in one space, and Im so glad I did.
I chose my favorite window in the house. I was a bit resistant, b/c this is the spot I use for alot of my outfit posts and creative photography... But then I quickly realized how in vein that idea was, and decided to use this space for my new spot of attention. I first put on Joni Mitchell's Blue album to listen to as I created this space to give myself a sense of peace and focus on what I was doing. That album instantly makes me feel connected to my mother's spirit, and to happy times. I then cleared and cleansed the space.
The flag I made for our home had yet to feel like it found its space. As soon as I started gathering things for this space, I knew right away it had found its home. I hung my feathered arm band from my sweet friend Alana as a reminder of her brave spirit. Then I spent some time finding just the right elements I wanted to keep in this space. The little wooden statue was a gift from my friend Katelyn, and it is a fertility goddess. I wanted it in my space to remind me of my journey I am working on emotionally with this issue.
I added many little things that hold love for me. Special stones that were sent to me from friends, sticks, seashells, rocks and mountain laurel seeds from my parents land. Crystals that hold alot of meaning for me, including the one my mom held onto while she was leaving us, and the one my aunt gave me after that, one that she carried in her pocket for the better part of her life. My moms little jadite buddha. Etc.
Then I added a few more elements, like this little blue vase my dad made, holding a huge beautiful feather, my incense holders, one gifted to me by my dear friend Rain, along with the best incense in the world. The tapestry was also gifted to me, by my friend Staci, who always knows just what I love. The wooden box that I used as a base, my dad made. It used to be what we kept firewood in when I was growing up. For the chair I kept near the space, to sit in and write, or look out the window at the birds, I used my two pillows that have birds on them. I was very intentional about everything I brought into this space.
To some, spaces like this may seem odd. But for me, it does so much for my soul. Taking the time to nurture a space in your home, carved out just for you, is taking care of yourself. I instantly felt at peace once the space was created. I laid on the blanket, put my feet up on the window seal, closed my eyes and let the sun wash over me. It felt cleansing. I felt wrapped up in the love of others, from choosing so many things that were given to me with love.
It does not take alot of room to make a space like this. This space is only about 4'x4'. Do you have any places you have created just for you in your home? If so, what type of elements did you use? How did it make you feel?