Creating Sacred Place Internally

There’s a traditional relaxation technique known as the safe place exercise. An individual creates, in her imagination, a peaceful and secure refuge into which to retreat when harried. This technique can be more than just a relaxing exercise; it can be a potent resource in the spiritual quest.

We often use the term ‘imagination’ dismissively, as in “Oh, it’s just your imagination”. Well, the evidence that our imaginations can be quite real abounds! All of us are well aware of times when we’ve responded viscerally, simply by recalling an upsetting event or projecting ourselves into an unwanted future. These moments may exist only in our imagination, but they certainly have the power to consume our attention, even to cause a physical response.

Creating an internal sacred space builds on this capacity of the human mind, but takes it quite consciously in a positive direction. One creates, using all the powers of imagination, a spiritual refuge. This becomes, then, another method of invoking awareness of the Infinite and our place within It.

Now, there are some folks (not me!), who can visualize in exquisite detail. However, this capacity is not necessary to create an internal sacred space. I may not be able to see my childhood home as I would in a photograph held in my hand, but I can tell you what it looks like and can remember what it felt like. I can imagine it, even if I cannot fully see it.

A spiritual refuge is most effective when imagined in as much detail as possible, utilizing all the senses. Begin by becoming quiet. Then, imagine a spot on this earth (or some other!) that epitomizes the state you would like to induce. Some old standards are a beach with gentle surf, a stream in an autumn forest, a mountaintop beneath a starry sky--but truly, there are no limits. And of course, no two imagined groves of golden aspen will be identical.

After you have your spot, really imagine it. Give it life. Place yourself there and experience this place from within it. What shapes and colors greet your eyes? What sounds do you hear? Inhale the scents of this spot. Notice the textures of this place and the feel of the air touching your skin. Yes, your particular place may even give you something to taste.

And yet, more than any of these lovely sensual details, experience the Spirit of this place, its vivid peace, its aliveness, its essence. Drink it in through the very pores of your skin. Feel yourself enveloped by Spirit, suffused with Spirit. Open to it. BE it.

A sacred space is born.

Now that you have a space created, what do you do with it? BE THERE! You can use it to anchor yourself at the start of meditation or as your mind begins to wander; in this way, your sacred space can serve as an experiential mantra. This refuge can act as a touchstone at various times throughout your day, helping to right you when you feel yourself slipping off center. You can return there just before sleep, as you let go the details that have consumed your awareness. The more you experience yourself there, the stronger the connection and the more available your sacred space will be when you need it.

And you can go further, if it feels right. Your place may evolve, revealing other dimensions or vistas; things may happen there. At times, you may become aware of a benevolent Presence, possibly one with shape and substance. You can conceive of this Presence as your wiser Self or as an angel or guide. You can ask for direction on an issue that troubles you; answers may not come to your earth ears, but your intuitive Self might gain insight.

An internal sacred space can be a valuable tool--a gift for the spiritual journey. If you decide to give it a try, I wish you well! I’d love to hear about your experience.

Until next week,

Loanne Marie

PS. On a related issue, see Creating Sacred Space Externally.

Creating Sacred Space Externally

While every piece of this earth is sacred and full of vitality, it gives my spirituality an immediacy to designate one small corner of it as my sacred space. You see, I need help awakening. I forget--again and again--the true nature of life and of myself within that life.

Decades ago while still in my teens, I created my first sacred place. In our small home, I carved out a spot in the foyer beside our little used front door, just big enough for a tiny meditation rug. That was the extent of the trappings, and it was on that small rug that I first sat regularly and practiced meditation while my family slept.

In most of my dwellings since then, I’ve had space likewise dedicated to accessing this inner realm. The months or years I did not seem now to have been spiritually dry times, each one ending with the creation of another space for my awakening.

Often, as at the first, my space was small and unobtrusive. Other times, my life allowed larger places--even a whole room at one point--complete with altars and other sacred objects whose purpose was to remind me of the mystery I exist within. These spaces each fit the life that produced them and changed as I changed. I believe that is the key.

Sacred space must be alive, as you are alive. Since it springs from your center, it will be unique to you and look like no one else’s. While there are few ‘shoulds’ in this, I do think this space ought to be a reflection of you as you are at this moment in your journey, filled with the items that evoke the awareness you wish to cultivate. Be creative. Be playful. Any item that gives you that ‘Ahhh...’ feeling is worthy of inclusion.

As a living thing, a sacred space should evolve as you do. And it requires a respectful tending. While I doubt I would ever again abandon my commitment to having a sacred space, sometimes I do let mine become stale--a bit too dusty or dog-hair covered, with items that have ceased to speak to me. Then it’s time for an overhaul and a thorough cleaning. I always feel better afterward.

If you are new to meditation or haven’t yet had the joy of your own sacred space, create one now. If you are a lapsed sacred space creator, return to it. And if you have one now, perhaps it’s time to refurbishment it, give it a bit of polish.

They say you can tell a lot about a person from the layout of their home. What does yours say about you? How could it better reflect a commitment to your soul’s journey? The wonderful thing about a space dedicated to Spirit is that, through repeated use, simply BEING there evokes a sense of the Holy.

When we’re fully enlightened, we will be so anywhere. In the meantime, most of us could use a bit of help. Good luck, and I’d love to hear about your efforts.

Namaste,

Loanne Marie

PS. For a related topic, please see Creating Sacred Space Internally