Creating Sacred Spaces

Everyone needs a sacred space to find calm in the chaos of life.

Creating your own sacred space allows you an escape for reflection and restoration. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Your sacred space could be indoors or outdoors. Is there a storybook garden that inspires you? This garden from a castle I visited in Germany, has always been a favorite I dream of duplicating someday. I keep a photo handy as a reference guide when I’m designing my sacred spaces. Maybe you already have a space indoors that has potential. Whether you are starting from scratch, or updating an existing sacred space, the goal is the same, to design a place of refuge from distractions.

  • What space could use a little clearing or refresh?

  • When have you felt the need to ignore those piles of laundry and paperwork?

  • What if you set them aside to look around and recognize there’s the magic beyond the mess?

Create a sanctuary where you can stop and sneak a moment to yourself.

Now that spring is upon us, I’m anxious to be outdoors digging in the garden, or relaxing on the porch. I consider both to be sacred spaces for me and journal about them often. Until my dream of lake living is fulfilled, I have designed my “fake lake room” on my porch. I have decorated it in a lake cottage style, with a whimsical nod to fictional Lake Wobegan, “where it’s always pleasant.” The earthy wood walls give it a cabin feel, so I wanted to honor that and keep it simple and cozy. I chose to decorate in different shades of soothing blues, with pops of red and white pillows for a nautical touch. A creamy chenille blanket calls for snuggles and daydreams. I stayed within budget on this update by repurposing existing pieces I already had. The antique table and chairs got a fresh look with of a coat of stain and a floral runner. I’m not much of an artist, but with the help of stencils, I had fun painting porch signs to personalize my sacred space.

I’m ready to color my world with flowers again, but the weather hasn’t been cooperating for gardening lately. Yesterday, I decided to defy Mother Nature, brave the cold and purchase a rainbow of plants to brighten up the porch. Bursts of yellow in fresh flowers radiate sunshine even on the cloudiest days. I turned on the space heater to keep my new friends and I warm, as I welcomed them to their lakeside retreat. By late afternoon, the sun was shining on my sacred space and I felt reenergized with the promise of spring.

Outdoors, “My Garden of Friendship”, as I fondly refer to it, may take longer than usual to blossom. Perhaps it’s an opportunity for me to dream up some new ways to help grow that sacred space. Over the last two summers, I’ve added elements from my favorite garden in Germany by incorporating a brick wall that borders our yard into one of the gardens, along with potted plants filled with vibrant colors. This season I’d like to add more herbs and veggies along with flowers. I’ve already ordered a couple of new books to inspire me. The Elegant & Edible Garden, by garden expert Linda Vater just just arrived and I cannot wait to dig in! Although I’m feeling restless as an empty nester, I am grateful to thrive here in this clay soil and look forward to watching my garden friends bloom again soon!

How ready are you to create a sacred space? Grab your journal and let’s get started!

Journal It

Spring Renewal Series

What does sacred mean to you?

Is there a garden or place that inspires you?

Close your eyes and imagine what your home retreat looks like. Sketch it out.

Look for signs of sacredness already in your home that can be repurposed.

Design a plan for your sacred space.

Clear out clutter and rearrange existing furniture or artwork.

Freshen up the space with lighting, paint, sources of inspiration: plants, flowers, candles, books or journals.

Step into your sacred space and take a deep breath. How does it feel?

Looking for More Inspiration?

Happy daydreaming!

-Janine

Journal It!Janine Zabelhome, garden, book recommendationsComment