The term 'sacred space' is used in almost every single belief system known to humanity. It seems to be one of those very common self-defining terms, but...is it really? The answer is: No. See, sacred space is as unique as we are. It is a place that works for us as individuals. What might seem calming, and comforting to one person, would end up being nothing but a complete sensory overload to someone else. So, sacred space is not all that it's often assumed to be. For example, to the followers of Zen, sacred space utilizes each of the senses to create a space that is not only calming, and peaceful, but also specifically designed for that individual. Take color, for example. Personally, I absolutely cannot stand anything Aqua, or Turquoise. I find it to be a beautiful color for many other people, but for me...not so much. That specific color overloads my sense to the point that I will literally end up getting a headache if I have to look at those colors for longer than a few minutes. It has the least calming effect on me, second only to neon color shades. For me, neutral, or Earth, shades are the most calming for me. When it comes to Zen, many people find that the more earthy tones are relaxing to them. This is not the case with every single person, however. Some people find black to be very calming, due to its ability to absorb bright light around it, as well as the warmth of the Sun. Darker browns also have a similar effect, as do darker shades of blue. So, sacred space can really be well...anything. The idea behind finding your personal sacred space is to first sit down and figure out what are the things that make you feel calm, relaxed and at peace. Those are your starting points.
Think of your main senses. Sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Do you prefer the sounds of the ocean, or perhaps no sound at all? Do certain types of music calm you more than others? How about the air that circulates around you? Does that have a particular sound that you feel relaxed with? Now, what do you like to look at? What environments do you find soothing to your eyes? Do you prefer a sunset to a sunrise? Give it some thought. Let's move on to touch. What feels good to you? Is it a certain fabric? Maybe water, or sand? Perhaps a pet's fur coat, or a favorite sweater? And smell....what scents seem to make you breathe a sigh of relief, or instantly calm you? Vanilla? Chocolate? Coffee? See, sacred space is about encompassing ALL of your senses, in order to reach one specific self-designed environment that will allow you to relax your entire being, not just one part of it. The goal is to be able to calm your mind, your body and your spirit - regardless of what religion you practice....or, if you don't practice any religion at all. What about taste? Do you prefer a certain type of a drink when you're trying to relax? Maybe a hot cup of tea helps you feel better inside. Remember to incorporate all your senses, not just two or three.
There is a Zen proverb that says, 'Learn something new every day....but also let something go every day'. When we have places we can retreat to, in order to relax and/or meditate, we then have the capacity from within ourselves to let something leave our lives - even if it's just for the moment. A negative thought. 'Bad vibes'. Intrusive sounds, and noises. Remnants of a bad dream, or even an entirely bad day. Some people call their sacred space the 'meditation space', or room. I call mine the 'zen zone', but that's just a given name that works for me....and it's not always so 'zenny'. Sometimes, I prefer my sounds to be those from classical music, instead of say...meditation music, or soft jazz. You'll want to also keep in mind that your sacred space does not have to be an entire room. Maybe just one corner of a room that's set up just for you. Or, one hour with a hot bath, a good book and some soft music. Always try to allow yourself 1 hour per day to retreat, relax and regenerate (in that order). Also keep in mind that the time slot that you allow yourself needs no permission from anyone else - but it is wise to be sure that this is a time during the day when you would normally have 'down time'. In other words, time that you'd normally not be committed to doing anything else.
Whatever you decide, keep in mind that your personal sacred space is strictly yours. It does not belong to your family, nor your friends. It belongs to you, and you alone. While it may sound a bit selfish, it is not. You absolutely cannot take care of everyone, and everything, in your life properly, unless you can also take care of yourself properly. Self-care comes in many forms. That being said, self-care also starts with the word 'self'. There are times in everyone's life when they seem to lose track of themselves. They need to undo the chaos in their lives. They require a type of mental, and spiritual, vacation of sorts - even if it's for an hour. Maybe do some light stretching, or Yoga, or meditation or...whatever it is that relaxes you. If this is something you think you may need in your life - go for it. Plan it out. Start thinking about things that bring YOU serenity. Never mind everyone, and everything, else. Concentrate on you, even if it's for an hour a day. It will do you a world of good.
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