Why A Sacred Space Can Give You Superpowers

Through the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our bodies and minds are often thrown out of balance. This disconnect prevents us from creating a healthier life and achieving our physical goals. The secret to achieving these goals—whether through weight loss, diet changes, increased energy, or healthier skin—begins with looking within. In other words, the secret to creating a beautiful, long, healthy life can only be done by starting with you first. To cultivate this inner strength, I believe rituals are very important. Creating the repetitive practice of coming to a personal, private space will allow you to keep your focus on whatever goals you're striving for.

Related: These 3 Entrepreneurs Share Their Self-Care Epiphanies

Why We All Need a Sacred Space

 A personal, sacred space acts like an anchor holding you to your intention, helping you to achieve and to sustain it. It's much easier to tap into your internal strength when you create an external space to dedicate to mindfulness. A sacred space also provides the inspiration to overcome the social, emotional, and spiritual blocks that may be preventing you from moving forward.  It becomes a ‘safe-sanctuary’ where you can feel at peace. You can escape from the pressures of the outside world in your sacred space, release anxiety about your goals, and get back to your ultimate truth. Creating a sacred space in your home reinforces your intention to embrace a new way of living—one with more inner-peace and a greater sense of self-love. When you enter your space, you will be reminded of the positive thoughts and energy you desire to fill your life. This beautiful, clutter-free space should be filled with hand-chosen things from your different areas of your life that provide support, comfort, and contentment to your heart. Remember, in order to remain focused and attract a new physical reality, it's important that you declare your desires so you know what to move towards. Creating a dedicated time in your day and space in your home to make that declaration supports your intended concentration and awareness of the present moment.

How to Create A Sacred Space (AKA The Woman Cave To Help You Empower You)

To create a sacred space in your home, first pick a place that you naturally feel comfortable in. You may not realize it, but this natural comfort indicates a healthy energy balance in the space, which is key for supporting your goals. It doesn’t matter how small or large the space is. In fact, it can be only a couple feet in all directions. Just be sure that it is visible so that you are reminded to take time for yourself every day. Next, fill your space with items that you feel connected with in some way and that evoke a sense of safety when you hold them close. You may feel drawn to the elemental properties of nature and wish to include a plant, or you might add a small trinket or gift that holds a happy memory. Some examples items to include in your sacred space are photos, statues, candles (Honest Company makes our favorite—like this Gardenia Jasmine Candle and Orange Cyprus Candle), cards, herbs, or dried flowers. Be creative, follow your heart, and play around with it. Arrange the objects on a small shelf or an elevated area where they can be easily seen. After you’ve decorated your space, place a comfortable cushion before your trinkets to create a fixed place to sit (CB loves this one from The Hill-Side in Brooklyn or this Reema Floor cushion that comes with a back rest). Or you might just use a beautiful yoga mat like this one from Yeti. This area will serve as your personal safe space, and it will become very special to you soon. Every time you approach this spot to rest or meditate, focus on shifting your mood to a completely relaxed state of mind. You can meditate, speak a mantra such as ‘Let Go’, journal, or do light yoga. Even if it's only for 5-10 minutes, make it a daily practice to do something supportive in your sacred space. Also be sure to do it without the use of technology and away from your family or those you live with. Use the energy you've created to ‘take a break’ from all exterior circumstances and remind yourself of your goals and desires.

Related: How To Do A 5-Minute Meditation

After several weeks of using the same space, you will create an invisible imprint. When you feel sad, overwhelmed, stressed, or just “off,” you can go there and experience an automatic shift in mood. You can come back to this place whenever you are feeling unbalanced or are experiencing anxiety within your mind or body, even when you don’t know where it is coming from.

Exercises To Do In Your Sacred Space

Sit in your sacred space every day and take a few moments to enjoy what you have created. This is your safe space. You have physically shifted part of your environment to reflect the energy that you want in your life. Take deep breaths to absorb all of the good vibes in front of you. Try writing down 10 things that your space makes you feel. Allow yourself to appreciate all the internal support you have shown yourself throughout your day. Your space reflects this growth. Explore the emotions that come up when you are physically present in your new space. If journaling isn't for you, simply try to meditate. Create a dim environment, spray some aromatherapy (like Zumi Sprays) or use some essential oils to relax (CB loves this relaxing blend from L'Occitane). Sit comfortably in front of your personal space, hands resting on your knees and facing upward with your thumb and third fingers together. With a straight spine, start to breathe deeply, focusing on your breath, and beginning to lengthen your inhalations and exhalations. As you slow each breath down, focus on bringing oxygen into every part of your being. As you exhale, allow your breath to release any tension, anxiety, and negative thoughts. In this physical and mental space, focus on an energy-releasing intention. My personal favorite is this: “I am releasing all energies within and around my body that are no longer serving me. I am sending these energies out of my space and to the light to be cleansed. I am clearing my space of lesser vibrations and allowing higher vibrations to enter.” Continue to let go and begin to focus your awareness on the wonderful things that are already in your life. Remember, this space is safe. Nothing negative can penetrate you as you detach from your thoughts. Continue to breathe and sit restfully for a moment longer. If meditation is challenging at first, I recommend the Muse, a new technology headset that actually trains your mind how to become quiet and rest! Regardless of where your day finds you, having a personal sacred space where you can retreat will help ensure that you stay healthy, happy and on track to reach your goals. Your sacred space will be a powerful place for you to build your strength over time, so ,when you go back out into the world, you make decisions that consistently serve your highest well-being.

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Love Sarah's expert insights? Read more of her contributions here.  If you're aiming for that mindful mindset and your goal is food-related, try mindful eating too. It works. Plus: the mind-body-skin connection is real—here's the proof.

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