3 Reasons Why You Need a Sacred Space and How to create it

"Why do I need a sacred space? Ugh... That sounds so hippy," you may be saying to yourself. Yes, the name seems intimidating, and you may think a sacred space is only for religious rituals. I get it. I thought the same when I first created my sacred space, but there are three reasons everyone should have a sacred space. 

What is sacred space?

Traditionally, a sacred space is an area to pray or perform religious rituals. But it is so much more....

It is a YOU space.

How is a sacred space a YOU space? Well, it is a space just for YOU and a space that is sacred only to YOU. 

Your sacred space may be an area for you to clear your mind, increase concentration, or meditate. You might use it as a place you go to connect with nature, spirits, or a higher being. It may be a place to journal or increase your creativity. How and why your sacred space is used is entirely up to you.

3 Reasons why you need sacred space

Creates Structure and Consistency

Some of the best habits you can do for self-healing include meditation, prayer, gratitude practice, breath work, and journaling. A sacred space would help you get the most out of these practices, as you are more likely to be consistent if you have a structured place for your practice. 

If you had to decide each day where you would, let's say, meditate. You then had to get out your blankets to sit on and maybe a candle or a speaker to play a guided meditation. You may be less motivated to get your butt off the couch and meditate.

When you have a structured sacred space, you will be more likely to engage consistently in your self-healing practice.

Helps Reduce Stress

A sacred space gives you a place to get grounded, go inward, cultivate your inner self, or connect with source. It is a place you will find clarity and peace.  

In our modern-day life, you are faced with non-stop stressors that bring you into a "fight or flight" mode. Engaging in a regular self-healing practice can significantly impact your parasympathetic nervous system by encouraging "rest and digest." A regular self-healing practice can dramatically reduce stress, and a consistent place to practice helps support the process. 

Increases Productivity

A few minutes a day of engaging in a self-healing practice helps you raise your vibrations. You will most likely tackle your day like a boss when you vibrate from a space of love, joy, reason, willingness, and courage.  

Your emotions affect how you respond and react to every situation you face in a day. You will find yourself more productive and happy when you come from a place of clarity and love. Whereas if you come from a place of stress, fear, or anger, you probably wouldn't be as productive. 

Giving yourself the gift of self-care can significantly impact all aspects of your life. Having a designated sacred space to find peace and clarity can make you more loving and productive. 

How to create a sacred space?

Step 1: Choose the location

Decide where you want your sacred space. It can be in a quiet place in the house—a room you find calming or peaceful. It can also be outside—a spot you feel connected to nature.

How you plan to use your sacred space will determine the amount of space you need. You may only need a small area where you can sit if you plan to use your space to pray or meditate. My sacred space is large enough to allow me to practice yoga, meditate, journal, and pray.

Step 2: Connect to Your Space

Fill your space with things that have meaning to you. What you surround yourself with in your space is entirely up to you. There is no wrong answer.

Remember, this is YOUR space.

The most important thing to remember is that you fill your space with things that make you feel joy. Perhaps it is a religious object, crystals, candles, fresh flowers, or pictures of loved ones. Whatever you choose, it should be something you connect with and brings you joy. 

Many sacred spaces have alters. Don't get too caught up in this part. Just think of an alter as a place where you put the special items. You can find alters on Amazon or use a coffee table or bookshelf. Get creative.

When I was creating my sacred space, I wanted an alter and had a clear vision of what I wanted. It needed to be small, low to the ground, and in a stain that matched my decorations. After hours of searching online, I decided to make one myself, and it turned out just the way I wanted. 

Step 3: Prepare Your Space

Once you have found the location for your sacred space and have filled it with all your special items, it is now time to prepare your space. Now depending on what you intend to do in this space will determine what you need to be ready.

If you plan to meditate, you may need a blanket or bolster to sit on.  

If you plan on journaling, you may need a journal and a pen.

Whatever you need for your practice is what you keep ready and available in your sacred space.

I practice yoga, pray, journal, and meditate in my sacred space. I make sure I have everything I need for my daily practice. I keep a basket with my yoga mat, blankets, and blocks. Under my alter, I have a small basket where I keep my incense, matches, journal, and pens. That way, I am ready to practice. 

The bottom line is that there is no wrong way to create a sacred space just for you. Just find your spot, fill it with meaningful items, and prepare it with any necessary tools. That's it! So get going and create your sacred spot. But most importantly, commit to your self-healing practice.

Read more on gratitude journaling you can do in your sacred space.