When you think about your home, what words or feelings come to mind? For many of us, we view our homes as sanctuaries, shelters, or escapes from the outside world but, what if you took things a step further? What if you thought about your space as sacred, one of healing, or a place where you not only rest, but rejuvenate your spirit?
That’s how we think about our personal space. As sacred and with real power if we allow it to work for us. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or have been living there for years, it’s never too late to create a personal space that can bring us true peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. With some careful planning, a little sacrifice, and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform your personal space into a sacred one.
“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.” ~ Joseph Campbell
HOW TO CREATE A SACRED PERSONAL SPACE
1 | Clear the clutter
The first step in creating a personal space you’ll love is letting go of the things that aren’t serving you anymore. Many of us hold on to things—both feelings and objects—much longer than we should but in order to move into a new space both physically and emotionally, you have to let some things go. Now, we’re not saying you have to go full on Konmari (although, you might love it if you tried it) but you’ll need to start clearing the clutter.
The thing about clutter is it’s much bigger than an unsightly pile of clothes in the corner of your room or that mysterious catchall self that holds all the things. Clutter is the cause of many negative emotions including stress, loss of productivity, and inability to focus. When your personal space is busy and cluttered, it hinders you from gaining the peace and clarity that a clear space can provide and often leaves you feeling unbalanced. By clearing the clutter, getting rid of things you don’t need, and reducing the amount of stuff in your space, you’’ll be able to leave room for the things that mean the most to you in your space whether that’s blank space for creativity or items that make you feel good.
2 | Give everything a home
Clearing the clutter is only half the battle. Once you’ve gotten rid of some things—whether a little or a lot—it’s time to focus on the habits and processes to keep your space clean and clear. That’s where organization and giving everything in your personal space a home comes into space. Organization is directly related to productivity and being organized is essential when it comes to every area of your life whether that’s running a business, chasing a dream, pursuing or raising your family. When it comes to your personal space, organization helps to keep the clutter at bay and your stress levels low.
3 | Adorn your space
We know the first steps in creating your own sacred personal space involve decrease but that’s the not the only aspect that has importance. Just as important as clearing the clutter and getting organized, is decorating your space with the things that mean the most to you. This is where you’ll house your fancy candles, fresh flowers, or trinkets you’ve collected during important times of your life. It may be a souvenir from your first solo trip or an inspirational poster that reminds you of your greatness, whatever you choose, just make sure it means something to you. A good practice to try when it comes to choosing the perfect items to adorn your personal space are to think of all your senses. What are those things you want to see, to feel, to smell, and to touch. Fill your space with these things and experience how much it changes the way you feel on a daily basis.
4 | Create routines for your space
Once your personal space has been cleared, cleaned, organized, and adorned it’s time to put it to work! Remember, your personal space can have true powers to help you focus, be productive, reflect, and heal if you allow it. Make use of your personal space by putting routines into practice that you can do to keep it special and utilize its power. Things like lighting your favorite candle when you come in after a long day, making a point to always have fresh flowers in sight, or implementing a personal process to minimize clutter—one thing in one thing out is a great method to try—can help you make the most of the personal space you’ve worked hard to create.
Your personal space is a reflection of you, for better or for worse. Let it be a great one.