Creating Sacred Space

We're all familiar with the concept of sacred space. Whether it's a majestic cathedral, a mountain top, the pyramids, a stone circle, or a shady spot in the woods, each of these places has something that makes it special - a sanctuary that soothes the human soul. But what about sacred space at home?

Children instictively recognize the value of a quiet, private place as a means of recovering from the pressures of everyday life. My cousin and I used to hide out for hours in her closet with our flashlights, some snacks, books, and our dolls. My needs are a little different these days, but I'm not above sitting in the closet if that's what it takes to find myself a peaceful place to meditate and get in touch with that which I hold sacred.

Almost everyone can carve out a little piece of space just for themselves and/or their sacred objects. Doesn't matter if it's a corner of a room, a window sill with a favorite chair in front of it, a closet, the garden, the bathtub, or even your car. One of my friends visits a nearby carousel because it makes her happy. Another friend travels quite a bit and she always takes a few special objects to place on the dress in her hotel room.

It makes no difference which spot you choose for yourself, as long as you like it there. If you love to work in the kitchen, you can place special objects on the window sill and enjoy them while you do the dishes and cook. And it doesn't matter which items you choose to become your sacred objects, as long as they bring you joy. Two favorite things that live on the altar at my house are a 6 million year old fossilized snail and a lopsided clay teapot my daughter made for me when she was four.

Nowdays, I use an antique dresser for my altar, and a daybed as my meditation spot. These are probably my two favorite indoor spots.I've added a photo of each of these below for you to see. I'd love to hear some of your ideas and see photos of your sacred spaces.