As the days get shorter and the nights get crisper, it’s a great time to consider ways to make you feel cozy, warm and secure at home this winter. Creating a place of peace and sanctuary will offer you respite from the busyness of the upcoming holidays. Consider carving out a spot in which to rest, hibernate or simply contemplate.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. As a consumer culture, we put so much pressure on ourselves to have the perfect home, the perfect family, the perfect life. In North America every year millions of dollars are spent on home décor and the latest lifestyle gadgets, along with often toxic cleaning supplies and complicated devices to make our homes look spotless and sanitized, yet often lifeless.
So who are we kidding when the joke is on ourselves? Instead of a magazine worthy home, imagine a cozy perfect corner for no one’s eyes but your own. Calm your mind, spark your creativity, take a nap or simply read. Encourage others in your family or household to do the same and create their own space. See if you don’t all feel a little bit more peaceful in your own private sanctuaries.
Is your living space generally a busy mess? That’s life. But if you can call it a day and retreat to your private space for a few minutes of relaxation, your spirits will be lifted. And who knows? You may even feel inspired to tidy up the rest of it.
For many, the bedroom is a great room to focus on. After all, this is the place where you start and end your day. You deserve to feel your best the moment you awake. No matter what room or corner you choose, the basic formula to create a private sanctuary is threefold: declutter, refresh and embellish.
First, declutter. Take everything out of the room that is unnecessary or trumps your joy. This will be different for everyone. For me it might be a television or a pile of shoes. For you, perhaps an uncomfortable pillow or some scratchy sheets. The point is: if it kills your vibe, get rid of it.
Next, refresh. Clean your space with love, care and attention. Let the rest of the house go if you must, but keep this one space tidy in your own way, simply because you’ve claimed it and call it yours. Own it.
Then, the fun bit: embellish. Accentuate your sacred space with meaningful accents, scents or objects. Again, this will be different for everyone. For me it’s bits and pieces from my travels, the beach or kindred souls. It might be a statue, a religious icon or a teddy bear. The choice is yours.
Enjoy your sacred space whenever you need a break from the mundane trials of the everyday. Use it to recharge your batteries, meditate, nap, read or contemplate. Protect and celebrate your special nook or corner. Make it a space you genuinely want to come home to.
