Home Heaven Retreat
Our homes are a reflection of our spirit. A sacred space may not appear on traditional blueprints, but having a place where you can go to connect with yourself and the Earth is as crucial as any other room in your home.
Creating a sacred space will also help to enhance and support any healing therapies such as art, prayer, journaling, and the like. Studies have shown that interior design can affect your mood and well-being. Every room in your home should feel special and comfortable for your lifestyle and needs, a basic guideline for optimal living and well-being. In particular, your sacred space should serve as the place where you leave behind the chaos of the world and go inward to heal and restore the mind-body-spirit.
You don’t need a spare room to make some grand sacred space in, either. Creating a sacred space is just about dedicating a specific area to the rejuvenation of your spirit. For some people, that may mean creating a sacred altar, while for others it might just be a prayer pillow in a peaceful area of your home, or a spot outside that feels tranquil to you. Over time, when you go to the same place to do prayers, or healing work that speaks to you, there’s an energy that builds up. It triggers your mind to feel soothed the moment you enter that space because it subconsciously recognizes it as a space of relief. Whatever relics, crystals or sacred objects you place in this space will hold that energy for you. It doesn’t have to be ornate.
Creating a sacred space will also help to enhance and support any healing therapies such as art, prayer, journaling, and the like. Studies have shown that interior design can affect your mood and well-being. Every room in your home should feel special and comfortable for your lifestyle and needs, a basic guideline for optimal living and well-being. In particular, your sacred space should serve as the place where you leave behind the chaos of the world and go inward to heal and restore the mind-body-spirit.
You don’t need a spare room to make some grand sacred space in, either. Creating a sacred space is just about dedicating a specific area to the rejuvenation of your spirit. For some people, that may mean creating a sacred altar, while for others it might just be a prayer pillow in a peaceful area of your home, or a spot outside that feels tranquil to you. Over time, when you go to the same place to do prayers, or healing work that speaks to you, there’s an energy that builds up. It triggers your mind to feel soothed the moment you enter that space because it subconsciously recognizes it as a space of relief. Whatever relics, crystals or sacred objects you place in this space will hold that energy for you. It doesn’t have to be ornate.
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Creating a sacred space gives you the chance to communicate with your heart. A room closed off from the rest of your home and the world keeps out the noise so you can concentrate. Try to keep your space simple. Remember, your life on the outside is a reflection of your life on the inside, so if the space feels cluttered, it’s a sign that you’re juggling too many things and need to slow down the hectic pace of your life.
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When designing your sacred space, consider all your senses: What helps you feel calm, comforted, and at peace? Before you begin a therapeutic session in your sacred space or spiritual center, perform a quick cleansing ritual to clear and refresh the energy of the room with some fresh air or sage.
The Native Americans used an Abalone Shell to catch the ashes—they believed that its magical iridescence and oblong shape helped to carry their deepest wishes up to heaven. We recommend placing a small amount of white sand in the shell, which will help ash out sage sticks while also protecting its luminous luster from burn marks. In fact, this small detail follows the indigenous tradition of creating a protective barrier between the fire element and a water vessel. The Abalone Shell makes a beautiful, natural holder for all your cleansing tools, which can also include sweetgrass, a sweet-smelling incense that brings the fresh and purifying fragrance of the grassy field into your sacred living space.
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If you live in a home that doesn’t allow you to burn sage or incense or you are sensitive to smoke, you can add Palo Santo and Sage essential oils to purified water, which can be used as a cleansing spray for an effective alternative. To enhance their healing properties even more, we suggest infusing your cleansing spray with a piece of raw Black Tourmaline and/or Selenite. To make a gem essence, simply place your stones in a bowl of purified water and allow their properties to infuse into the water–about 4 to 12 hours. For the best results, place your stones outside for 24 hours, which will allow the stones to be activated by the energy of both the sunlight and moonlight.
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Once again, if smoke bothers you, there are other ways to infuse fresh, clean energy into your sacred space, such as using the purifying energy of sound. You can either use a bell, a singing bowl or even just clap your hands to break up the stagnant energy. Also, arrange a collection of your favorite treasures—crystals, candles, inspirational books, etc.—in a symmetrical way so that it’s naturally pleasing to the eye.
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When choosing crystals for your sacred space, always look for stones that resonate with your spirit. Our favorite types for peaceful introspection are light blue gemstones like Blue Calcite or Angelite, which reflect the color of a summer sky. Its expansiveness is a reminder of the infinite possibilities of the universe and the healing power of being open and receptive to new ideas. The color blue is also associated with the stunning blue waters of an island paradise, so when you enter your sacred space, they have an immediate calming effect on the spirit.
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Created deep within the earth, crystals have been absorbing toxins over many years, making them big-time energy purifiers. Consider placing a few of your favorite crystals by the windowsill, which will allow the sun to cleanse and activate their healing energy. The best crystals for this purpose are yellow and orange gemstones such as Citrine, Yellow Jasper,Carnelian, and Sunstone. These stones are known for harnessing the bright and cheerful energy of the sun, which fluctuates with the healing rhythm of the earth.
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Along with other stones that have different colors and healing properties, we also suggest keeping a few tumbled stones or palm stones from each color ray. This will allow you to be with crystals while doing an all-over cleanse. Being in a sacred space will help enhance your therapeutic session even more.
When you take the time to create a sacred space for healing and introspection, get ready to live at the highest vibrations when you connect with the light and love within your soul. |
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Creating a SACRED SPACE IN YOUR HOME
Designate the space
Pick somewhere specific in your home as your sacred space. Try to find somewhere that is already free of distractions, such as electronics, work, and daily tasks. In a perfect world, you’d want to have this area, not in your bedroom. But if you have to do it, any relics that you want to bring into that space need to be raised. Maybe place them on a shelf of a bookshelf. Just make sure that it’s not opposite your feet when you’re in your bed.
Set the tone
You may be asking, what do I bring into my sacred space? A simple way to start is to connect with a few of your senses.
For sight and touch, bring in healing crystals, relics, or anything else that gets you into the mood for spiritual re-centering. If you place a crystal in your space, you need to cleanse and program it with an intention. I prefer using self-standing crystal points. I feel they hold that space of our energy and send the positive vibes and intentions we set up towards the light and the universe.
For smell, light your incense, diffuse your essential oils or whatever soothing scents that make you feel at peace. Sandalwood is especially beneficial for getting you into that state.
For sound, play a tranquil CD, a singing bowl or some high-frequency music to send pleasure-producing chemicals throughout your body and to bring you into a deeper state of being.
Implement the symbolic act of lighting a candle. When you light a candle at the beginning of your practice, you’re signifying the start of your connection to your higher source or creator. It makes it clear to your spirit that you are transitioning to a new state of mind.
Pro Tip: For your sacred space, choose a room in your home with lots of natural light, which is known to boost wellness. In fact, a 2014 study found that natural lighting coming in through windows resulted in a stronger sense of well-being. According to researchers, natural light helps the body stay in tune with circadian rhythms, which naturally regulate the different energy levels needed to be awake during the daytime and at night when we need to go sleep.
Commit to a length + time
Whether it’s 3 minutes, 5 minutes or 11 minutes, your practice should fill that entire time, and be consistent. It’s the daily commitment that brings the energetic shift in that space. That means committing to the same amount of time, every day. If you want to take this commitment to the next level, try your best to keep your sacred space time to the same time every day. Please do not commit yourself to a ritual, this next level is just a means to take your needs seriously, you deserve it!
Plug into source
So, so, so important – I cannot stress this enough. At the beginning of your practice, make sure that you’re plugging into a source of light and love to connect. This is the magic and wonder of everything God has created.
To find this on a personal level, reflect on your faith, the Earth and what makes you happy. This will connect you with your highest vibration. Your highest vibration may be associated with a religious or spiritual belief, God, or simply a divine power that’s greater than you. Or it may be associated with a scientific connection, such as zero-point energy. You decide what to call it.
In my experience, skipping this step will mean it will take you a lot longer to get results.
Create a practice
For some people, that practice is prayer. For others, it’s a meditation. And for some, that may be a crystal clearing ritual. Break out those mantras, breath-work, and whatever practice you need to get into your highest state. It’s okay if you need to experiment around with these things. This is a space of learning, expansion, and freedom.
So now that you know how to create a sacred space, I want you to create your own! Use your space as a way to connect with yourself and get creative. You are the most important person and you have to take care of yourself. Personalize it! Make it a spot you never want to leave.
So if you’re looking to establish a sacred space of peace and connection within the home, here are a few things to keep in mind before you start!
It can be very difficult to cultivate inner peace if our surroundings are chaotic or cluttered.
Cleaning is an everyday task that few of us can avoid, and it provides the perfect opportunity to become one with everything you focus your awareness on (yes, even the toilet). This can be done by giving your cleaning tasks your full attention and staying present in the moment.
You can even turn your cleaning session into a form of sending love and light to someone in particular or the world in general all while you are performing routine cleaning tasks.
There is a clear connection between cleaning and well-being. Among other things, studies have shown that a neat and clean home can actually lower Cortisol levels. It is possible to learn to care for your body as you care for your home, and care for your home as we care for your body. We need to create a sanctuary in our lives and—and that starts at home.
Cleaning is an everyday task that few of us can avoid, and it provides the perfect opportunity to become one with everything you focus your awareness on (yes, even the toilet). This can be done by giving your cleaning tasks your full attention and staying present in the moment.
You can even turn your cleaning session into a form of sending love and light to someone in particular or the world in general all while you are performing routine cleaning tasks.
There is a clear connection between cleaning and well-being. Among other things, studies have shown that a neat and clean home can actually lower Cortisol levels. It is possible to learn to care for your body as you care for your home, and care for your home as we care for your body. We need to create a sanctuary in our lives and—and that starts at home.
Steps to Help You Cultivate Sacred Space in Your Home
Declutter Your Space
Clearing clutter is a proven therapy for creating change in your life. Plus, you never know what you may find. Sometimes if there is a lot of clutter, it can be overwhelming to declutter. But once you have cleared the old and unwanted from your space and your life, you can begin to make room for something new. If you have a goal that affects your entire space, try doing something small in each room to prepare for that new reality. You will find that all areas of your life will flow more easily after you have put your home in order.
Start small: Pick a room, a closet or just a drawer and get started sorting it out.
Commit to clean: Spend 10-15 minutes a day straightening or decluttering a room or the house. This will pay off over time.
Go for the gusto: Put on the pressure by hosting a dinner party or inviting the in-laws over for the weekend. This way, you’ll have a deadline and no excuses.
Clean Naturally
While most household cleaners have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) levels, it’s a good idea to be aware of the cleaning chemicals that you use on a regular basis and consider how they affect your environment. Are you contributing to the toxicity of your home? Many of us use the products that our mothers used without much thought because we tend to trust the brands we know.
Use natural cleaning solutions whenever possible by combining water, essential oils, vinegar or baking soda and keep your home toxin-free while getting the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils. Use a few drops of essential oils on your favorite microfiber duster for the aromatherapy benefit of scented dusting
Spiritualize Your Cleaning Routine
Using the power of intention, you can do a spiritual cleanse anytime to clear negative and stale energy that lingers in your home from past arguments and illnesses for example. Use candles, sage, or incense—or just create an intention while performing basic cleaning tasks. Whether or not you perform a spiritual housecleaning in your weekly routine, it's a good idea to give your entire home a thorough energetic cleaning at least once a year.
Set your intention for cleaning, clearing, protection, and blessings
Use sound, scent, and nature to help elevate the energy level in your home
Create an area in your home to honor your space and everything that you love
Create a Custom Sacred Space
Create a custom space that balances your mind, body, and spirit in your personal surroundings. With this valuable information, your home will nourish, soothe, and support you.
Select colors for your space that will bring you back into balance and nature
Incorporate fragrances into your space that soothe your senses
Enjoy sounds that bring you back into harmony
Space Plan with Nature in Mind
Honor the rhythms that control the universe and establish harmony with nature and ourselves.
Lighting is everything. The choice of lighting can set the tone for a room. Bright lighting can be welcoming or energizing, awakening the mind to the possibilities that lie ahead. Lower lighting can trigger relaxation at the end of the day, be seductive and calming. Let lighting set the mood for your space.
Bring nature indoors. Whatever your style, plant life and natural elements form a connection to the great outdoors. The more high tech your life may be, the more you may need Mother Nature.
Circular or square? Use circular furniture if you want movement or animation and use square furniture if you want to relax or be still.
Example: the breakfast table should be round to invoke energy while the dining table should be square or rectangular to elicit calm.
Conscious Movement While Cleaning
Studies have shown cleaning to be beneficial for both physical and mental health. Knowing that physical movement is important to our health and many of us don’t always have time for a venture or workout class, just 20 minutes a day of vigorous housework can provide your conscious movement for the day—and cut stress by as much as 20%.
Calories Burned: Cleaning burns calories, roughly 170 calories per hour for a moderate effort and more than 200 for a vigorous routine, but who's counting these days!
Consider your posture when washing dishes, folding laundry, and dusting. Place a book or firm pillow between your thighs and squeeze it. This will help bring awareness to the tilt of the pelvis or a shift in the hips. It will also remind you to stand straight and root your heels into the floor and stack knees over ankles and hips over knees.
Clearing clutter is a proven therapy for creating change in your life. Plus, you never know what you may find. Sometimes if there is a lot of clutter, it can be overwhelming to declutter. But once you have cleared the old and unwanted from your space and your life, you can begin to make room for something new. If you have a goal that affects your entire space, try doing something small in each room to prepare for that new reality. You will find that all areas of your life will flow more easily after you have put your home in order.
Start small: Pick a room, a closet or just a drawer and get started sorting it out.
Commit to clean: Spend 10-15 minutes a day straightening or decluttering a room or the house. This will pay off over time.
Go for the gusto: Put on the pressure by hosting a dinner party or inviting the in-laws over for the weekend. This way, you’ll have a deadline and no excuses.
Clean Naturally
While most household cleaners have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) levels, it’s a good idea to be aware of the cleaning chemicals that you use on a regular basis and consider how they affect your environment. Are you contributing to the toxicity of your home? Many of us use the products that our mothers used without much thought because we tend to trust the brands we know.
Use natural cleaning solutions whenever possible by combining water, essential oils, vinegar or baking soda and keep your home toxin-free while getting the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils. Use a few drops of essential oils on your favorite microfiber duster for the aromatherapy benefit of scented dusting
Spiritualize Your Cleaning Routine
Using the power of intention, you can do a spiritual cleanse anytime to clear negative and stale energy that lingers in your home from past arguments and illnesses for example. Use candles, sage, or incense—or just create an intention while performing basic cleaning tasks. Whether or not you perform a spiritual housecleaning in your weekly routine, it's a good idea to give your entire home a thorough energetic cleaning at least once a year.
Set your intention for cleaning, clearing, protection, and blessings
Use sound, scent, and nature to help elevate the energy level in your home
Create an area in your home to honor your space and everything that you love
Create a Custom Sacred Space
Create a custom space that balances your mind, body, and spirit in your personal surroundings. With this valuable information, your home will nourish, soothe, and support you.
Select colors for your space that will bring you back into balance and nature
Incorporate fragrances into your space that soothe your senses
Enjoy sounds that bring you back into harmony
Space Plan with Nature in Mind
Honor the rhythms that control the universe and establish harmony with nature and ourselves.
Lighting is everything. The choice of lighting can set the tone for a room. Bright lighting can be welcoming or energizing, awakening the mind to the possibilities that lie ahead. Lower lighting can trigger relaxation at the end of the day, be seductive and calming. Let lighting set the mood for your space.
Bring nature indoors. Whatever your style, plant life and natural elements form a connection to the great outdoors. The more high tech your life may be, the more you may need Mother Nature.
Circular or square? Use circular furniture if you want movement or animation and use square furniture if you want to relax or be still.
Example: the breakfast table should be round to invoke energy while the dining table should be square or rectangular to elicit calm.
Conscious Movement While Cleaning
Studies have shown cleaning to be beneficial for both physical and mental health. Knowing that physical movement is important to our health and many of us don’t always have time for a venture or workout class, just 20 minutes a day of vigorous housework can provide your conscious movement for the day—and cut stress by as much as 20%.
Calories Burned: Cleaning burns calories, roughly 170 calories per hour for a moderate effort and more than 200 for a vigorous routine, but who's counting these days!
Consider your posture when washing dishes, folding laundry, and dusting. Place a book or firm pillow between your thighs and squeeze it. This will help bring awareness to the tilt of the pelvis or a shift in the hips. It will also remind you to stand straight and root your heels into the floor and stack knees over ankles and hips over knees.
Find out how the Art in Medicine program can bring in
healing energy into your special space!
healing energy into your special space!
