A Sacred Space

You must have a room, or a certain hour of the day, or so where you do not know what is in the morning paper. A place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are, and what you might be. At first, you may find nothing’s happening, but if you have a sacred place and use it, something will happen.

Joseph Campbell

Over the past year I’ve taken my meditation practice more seriously and it’s possibly one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. The feature photo for this post is often used in my work with Zen Habits and from the first moment I laid eyes on it, I knew I wanted a part of my life to resemble that photo. It’s an accurate assessment to say, this photo planted a seed.

To make this photo a reality in my life, it was necessary to create space for it to arrive. I tried various areas in my home and even meditated outdoors when the weather cooperated, but couldn’t find THE right space until I looked toward the ultimate sacred space, which is my bedroom. It made sense to use a space already considered sacred, just on a smaller, more intimate scale.

It was important to see if I was serious about this practice before investing any money in it, or if it proved to be more difficult than imagined and wasn’t for me, so for a while I sat on a large floor pillow type cushion that I already owned. Within a few weeks, I truly enjoyed meditating and began seeing the well-being benefits of it such as, increased focus, clarity of mind and a prolonged feeling of calm. Taking time to meditate I began to see it spill over into my everyday which picked up a flow by offering serenity within the productivity.

I researched meditation cushions and even purchased a couple, but sent them back to the store. It’s so important for your bum to be comfortable, especially during prolonged periods of meditation. The cushion should feel supportive by keeping your back straight and your bum cradled. Crushed buckwheat hulls are recommended as the filler for adequate comfort and durability.

Mindful Zafu Cushion by Pure Chakra

The rug and floor pillar are by World Market and the 5′ floor pillar emanates a warm glow during overcast days. What’s used as a small, wood table is an old foot stool from a local Antique Shoppe. Palo Santo is lit to clear the air of this sacred space before meditating. The small dish you see is actually one of my pottery pieces from the class I took last year that you can read about here.

May the seeds in your heart lift and guide you into a sacred space.

Relax while I read this to you.

Feature Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

11 thoughts on “A Sacred Space”

      • Lovely. If I still had my cat Miley, I wouldn’t have been surprised if she would have joined me when I do any sitting medications. I am not a regular for sitting meditation, but when I do, it’s when I am doing one from one of Plum Village’s on YouTube.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Oh yes….the cat tried to join, but it was a little much with the dog and cat, so I chose the doggo and shut the door. Lol I believe you meditate while walking? That’s a lovely practice as well. I’m not familiar with Plum Village, but will look them up! Thank you Liz!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, I do walking meditation. I seem to stick with it more since doing this to a sitting version. Although, when I have done sitting meditation I do like it. Especially when staring at a candle.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Ahhhh, Barb. I am hoping you inspire me, as I do need to devote time to meditating. I make quiet time for journaling, but it’s not the same, and I have been resistant. First, one needs to address the resistance, so I guess that’s at the head of the line. Thank you for being an inspiration.
    Also … letter leaving NJ Monday. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Awwww…..Jeanne. There’s many good apps available for free if you want guided. If you’d rather sit in silence with unguided just start with one minute and see how you do. I’m looking forward to receiving your letter! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. You always inspire me. I enjoyed seeing your meditation space and, of course. you beautiful pottery. I receive the Zen Habits emails and enjoy reading them. I have taken a few meditation classes through the years. A few prompts have come to me in the form of your post, an email from another friend and few other small nudges. I have learned to pay attention when the universe speaks. I am signing up for a meditation class on Zoom. 🤍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I’m so happy for you! You’ll have to let me know how you like the meditation class! The nudges are wonderfulness and then when people show up in your life confirming the nudge well…that’s simply magical and requires attention. Thank you for your kind words and the Valentine’s Day card! Much love to you! 💖

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Share you thoughts.