Last week I posted about Intentional Living Spaces and specifying your design goals with greater clarity. This is so important to do when you are planning a renovation.
But if you are looking for ways to create more well-being for yourself and your household without a construction project, then consider the sanctuary space.
I have a space in a sunroom that is a sanctuary space and, really, it is a luxury. It’s a meditation, movement, and yoga studio for one, just off the living room, separated by a bench. I sit here most mornings. I stretch and exercise in here too. It’s flexible, and I think that this is a key to having such a space.
Let’s do a quick check in about the word sanctuary without looking at a dictionary definition. I think of sanctuary as first and foremost a safe place. It’s so safe I can lay down, tune into my body and mind, and relax. This “safety” is why it’s important. I don’t actually call it “my sanctuary space,” because I don’t call it anything. It’s just there, namelessly mine.
But I like the word sanctuary for literary reasons. So a brief exposition. It means a lot to have a space like this and I benefit from being able to come here early in the morning, during a lunch break, after work, and just sit down. Over time, it’s a space that can provide comfort when I’m down. When loved ones are sick, or when someone has passed away, I light a candle in here. This may be the best part of finding sanctuary in my home: physical and mental comfort.
This might sound very difficult to realize in a full household of family members, including children, animals, and spouses. At the same time, when I have a full household, and I am in my space either meditating or doing yoga, even though others can see me, they don’t interrupt me . . .
. . . OK that’s not true. They do interrupt me (“Where’s the oatmeal?” “Should I make another pot of coffee?” “What time do you want to leave?” “Have you seen my charger?” “My flight has been delayed.”) But it’s not always like that. I usually get my time and it is helped by having this space.
This brings us to how we make it work. Managing The Others is greatly helped if we create the space with intention.
First, separate yourself.
It’s not recommended to set up your meditation space in a busy area. It’s one thing to take a few calming breaths in a crowded subway. It’s another to clear a space, light a candle, and do sun salutes while others are just trying to commute home. I exaggerate the scene for effect, but this goes for creating this space at home too. You wouldn’t want to do your sun salutes in the kitchen, unless you’re making a point.
Fortunately, my sunroom is on the opposite side of the house from my kitchen and dining rooms, the busiest rooms in the house. This worked out well. Among all the other problems I have with my house, having a little distance from the kitchen is not one of them.
When we lived in a condo, my ex and I bought a Murphy bed so I could use the bedroom as a mediation and yoga space. In the morning, I put the bed up, pulled out my yoga mat and meditation cushions, and presto sanctuario. At night, we pulled the bed down for sleep.
Which brings us to the next tip . . .
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