[4 Minute Read]

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments of peace and introspection is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. One powerful way to cultivate inner harmony is by creating a dedicated space for meditation, healing, or journaling within your home. On Vox Intra, I like to call this your "sanctum".

Creating our own “space” in the world is, in itself, an act of healing. Physically making room for you and your needs is not only an act of self-compassion, but it also speaks to a natural human need for nesting.

Nesting fulfills the need for emotional support and security by fostering a sense of belonging and connection within one's home environment. Likewise, a space for healing can offer emotional support by providing a safe, nurturing environment where you can process emotions, cultivate self-awareness, and find inner peace. This supportive atmosphere encourages self-care and self-reflection, promoting emotional healing and resilience.

1. Visualize.

When I was in therapy, my therapist had me imagine (in detail) what my safe space looked like. This is the place I would retreat to mentally when feeling overstimulated or disregulated during a session, and in daily life. When creating my healing space in real life, I tried to emulate this place (I've included pictures at the bottom!). Visualize what your ideal "safe space" looks and feels like. Where do you imagine retreating to, when the world gets too much? It doesn’t have to be a place in the real world. Dive deep into what the sensory experience might be if you could really go there. Is there a warm breeze? The sound of water? Does the land stretch out before you? Do you feel playful, excited, calm, empowered? You can even create a vision board with inspiring images you find online to help guide your vision.

2. Choosing the Right Space

The first step in setting up your sanctuary is selecting the perfect location. Ideally, choose a quiet and clutter-free area where you can retreat without distractions. This could be a spare room, a corner of your bedroom, or even a cozy nook in your living room. Consider factors such as natural light, ventilation, and privacy to enhance the ambiance of your space. You might also like to take your healing practice outdoors, like a quiet bench at your favorite park or your apartment's balcony. Places to steer clear of might include your bed itself; while it may be a cozy space, things like journaling can be very mentally taxing and make it difficult to wind down for bed later, since your brain may start to associate that space with feeling stimulated.

3. Creating a Soothing Atmosphere

Once you've chosen your space, infuse it with elements that evoke a sense of serenity and sacredness. Start by decluttering and organizing the area to promote a sense of calm and clarity. Incorporate elements of nature, such as plants, stones, suncatchers, or even a small water feature, to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Soft lighting, such as candles or fairy lights, can create a warm and inviting ambiance. Running a small air purifier before sitting down to work can help the space feel "clean", and you can also burn sage or other herbs that aid in cleansing unwanted energies.

4. Selecting Comfortable Furnishings

Comfort is key when it comes to creating a space for your healing practice. Supportive cushions or floor pillows are always a good idea. If you plan to meditate, a meditation chair can ensure proper posture and comfort. Choose soft fabrics for added coziness and tactile pleasure. Consider incorporating elements of personal significance, such as meaningful artwork, inspirational quotes, or cherished mementos, to imbue your space with a sense of personal connection and meaning. Focus on the "feeling" you're trying to evoke in this space: Is it safety? Calm? Joy? What can you bring in that helps you tap into that?

5. Create a "travel" sanctuary kit.

This one is optional, but if you plan to take your healing practice outdoors or on-the-road, it can be a great idea to find a box (perhaps the size of a shoe box or something smaller) that fits all of your healing essentials, such as a journal, card deck, travel candle, pen, stones, herbs for smudging, personal mementos, and incense. You can get super personalized with the container, like an engraved wooden box or a beautiful, acrylic box that you adorn with special stickers. Let it be an expression of yourself and evolve as you go on your healing journey.

6. Setting the Mood with Aromatherapy and Sound

If you're not too sensitive to sounds and smells, aromatherapy and sound can further enhance the ambiance of your sanctum and deepen your practice. Experiment with essential oils, incense, or herbal sachets to infuse the air with calming scents such as lavender, sandalwood, or chamomile. Soft background music, nature sounds, or guided meditations can also help create a soothing auditory backdrop for your practice.

7. Enter your sanctum with a ritual

Finally, infuse your sanctuary with intention and ritual to enhance its transformative power. Set aside time each day or week to engage in your chosen practice, whether it's meditation, healing rituals, or journaling. Establish a sacred ritual to mark the beginning and end of each session, such as lighting a candle, reciting a mantra, or taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. Entering this space should feel grounding and soothing.

My Sanctum

When I lived in my old apartment, I was fortunate enough to have a spacious balcony that served as my "sanctum". My "safe space" in my head had been a sort of mystical forest. I was a big WoW fan in college and I loved the night elves and their connection to nature. I wanted to bring a similar sense of "nature magic" to my real world space, so I hung and planted many plants to recreate that vibe. At one point, a pair of finches even created their nest in the fern you see hanging on the door, and I saw the baby birds learn to fly and take off for the first time after a few months passed. The finches always stuck around after that, coming to my balcony to eat bird seed. We shared the space and it was spectacular.

Embrace the Journey

Creating a space for meditation, healing, or journaling is a deeply personal and enriching endeavor. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment, evolve, and adapt your sanctuary over time to reflect your changing needs and aspirations. Whether you're seeking solace, clarity, or inspiration, may your sacred space serve as a refuge for your mind, body, and spirit on your journey of self-discovery and growth.

Don't forget to tag @vox.intra on Instagram if you'd like to share your healing space with me!