CREATING
          YOUR SACRED SPACE

 
 
            It doesn't matter where you live or how much space you have; you can still create aspace for you where you can relax, meditate, or just take time out for yourself andenjoy your surroundings. Whether it be an apartment, house, condo, etc.; you can still create a space for yourself. You may ask yourself, "Why do I need such a space and why bother?" Yes, creating a space does take time and planning but the rewards and peace it brings you out weigh the work involved. Even the work is enjoyable.

            Having a space where you can go to read quietly, just look at the sunrise and/or sunset, count your blessings, reflect on the day, pray, meditate; brings many results. Most of us live fast paced lives at home and work and trying to balance work, family, and other activities. Our stress levels are high and we sometimes forget how to just relax. Having a quiet space (especially in a garden whether it is indoors or outdoors) gives us the time we need to unwind and learn how to get back in touch with ourselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Our health is better, we can tackle problems better, and we learn how to cope with stress much easier.

            There are many ways to create your own space to fit your needs and wants. I am still in the process of creating mine so let me share with you what I have learned so far and I will also provide links to other sites to help you and books that will also guide you.

            First, let me say I live on a few acres, so I have plenty of space to choose from you in creating mine. But, even if you live in an apartment or have small space, you can do this also.
            In an apartment, look around, is there an extra room, balcony, patio, or even just a corner in the living room, bedroom, or even use the bathroom? If using the bathroom, add a couple of plants by the tub (ones that like humidity) or a hanging basket. Then add a few candles around the bathroom, some potpourri, and maybe a few pictures of subjects (such as beaches, marine life, etc.) that make you feel good. Light the candles and take a bath and use this time as your quiet time to meditate, read, or just to relax. Play some very soft music (not rock-n-roll). (Take the phone off the hook or turn the ringer down as this is your time for yourself)
            If you have a balcony or small patio, use some tall container plants near a chair, perhaps a small tabletop fountain, other container flowering plants that add soft colors, hurricane candle lamps. This is a perfect place to look out and enjoy the scenery, the skies, to just think and/or read a book.
            Incorporate some of your interests in these spaces if you like. You can have a small herbal garden with your favorite herbs, perhaps a gardenia bush (they smell so nice when a breeze blows across them).
            If you have alot of space or a big yard, this may take a little more planning on your part, it just depends on what you like and want. You can also plan several areas that have different plants, themes, etc. It all depends on what you like, what zone you live in (for the plants), and how much work you want to do. Since my yard is large, I am planning several places where I can enjoy myself and each one is different. I have alot of trees and want to maintain a woodland look. In one area I am placing a bench that overlooks the creek so that I can enjoy the sound of the water. There is alot of woodland ground cover but I will add some soft white and blue flowers. Since I like to burn sage when I meditate and I enjoy the aroma of sage plants, I will also have a container of sage near the bench. Toss in a few gazing balls, a bird feeder, and some chimes; and I have the perfect place to sit and rest and just relax. I find working outside in the yard helps me to relax and relieves stress. Don't get discouraged if some of the plants you tried die. Try something till it works. Before spending alot of money on plants do some research, visit a nursery, and look through some books. I order alot of mine through the catalogs. I have had a few that died on me, but the companies gladly either refunded me or they replaced them at no charge. I also found that they were much more inexpensive than some of the stores around me. Until we moved to our present house, I never sat outside at night or worked in a garden since we didn't' have one and there really wasn't anything to see but now when I come home from work, I sit on my deck, light the tiki torches, and I just sit back and watch the birds and wildlife as the sun begins to set. It's the perfect way to end a day and a good way to relax and just have a quiet discussion with your spouse/partner on the days events. The benefits have been great. It takes more to stress me out, I don't yell as much, and I have time to think and read. Everyone needs a quiet space. You can make this a family project as kids need time also for just thinking. Plan on spending at least 15 to 30 minutes a wk in your space and allow time for everyone else to use it. Use the space as a place to go when you are stressed or angry and watch how those feelings subside after spending time in your space. It works for the kids to.

            I have also read where some people will plant a bush or small tree near the entrance to their house and they refer to it as their worry tree. It's a place to live your day's worries and frustrations before entering the house. Some even plant a tree or bush near the "space" and use it as a prayer tree. There they tie on small pieces of paper that they have written down their prayers and intentions. In some ways, it is similiar to the prayer flags that Native Americans tie to their Sun Dance tree.

            You can find books that show many of the gardens of the world and how they reflect the spirituality of that culture. Look at Japanese gardens and everything in it reflects their spirituality. They like to reflect with nature and they incorporate water, fragrance, wind, and fire (represented by the lanterns). Their gardens are designed so that one feels harmony and tranquility. Look at pictures of gardens around the world, and I'm sure you will get some ideas on what you like and what you want in your space. All that is required is your time and being a little creative. Add your own touches to make this your space and you will find the benefits rewarding.

            If you have any questions on creating your space, email me and/or check out the links  I have listed to help you. I know you will find it rewarding.
        LINKS
        HERBS AND MEDICINAL PLANTS
         

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