PERSONAL SPACE RECIPE

In my humble opinion, everyone should have their own little personal space that they can retreat to and regroup or recharge themselves.  Some call it a self-help space, meditating space, retreat or altar.  Ever wonder how to set-up your own personal space?

I just call it my space.  No one bothers me because I’ve made it clear that my 10-30 minutes time alone is non-negotiable.  I will admit it took my daughter some time to get with the program, but I’d just gently remind her that she can tell me whatever she needs to tell me when I’m finished.

Now, if she follows me and finds my bedroom door shut and can hear soft music, she knows not to knock and disturb me, unless it’s an emergency.

I sit and meditate, pray and sometimes just “be”.  It rejuvenates and helps me regroup, for the next day, as I meditate in the evening.  Others would use this space to pray or to hold a chat with Source, the Divine, God, Universe, Mother Earth, or their higher self. 

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

This is your spot, your place to get-a-way from the rest of the world, if only for 10 minutes and should be used on a daily basis.  Self-care is accumulative and sustaining.  Consistency is the key.  So, taking care of yourself helps you take care of all the other myriad things that you come across daily.  When Mama feels healthy, whole and happy, she can take care of her family much better.  Trust me on this.

This is a space to use to decompress, which will help you sleep better and be better prepared for the next day.  Our lives are so busy that many times it’s hard to remember everything on your “to do” list let alone get everything done.

And having a personal space is not where you go to “guilt trip” yourself.  The purpose is to ground yourself and get to know the real you much better.  It is not time to sit and reflect on what you “shoulda, woulda and coulda” got done.

Your Time In Your Personal Space

This is time for you and NO ONE else.  A personal space, when used on a consistent basis will nourish your mind and body from this much needed rest.

Think about this for a minute—on days when you feel happy and on top of the world, how much more work and “to do” items can you get done that day.  How much more able are you to handle when your kid brings home a note from the principle or has received bad grades.  Or wrecked the car.

Now think about a day when you were dragging your butt, you were very tired, had way too much to do and can’t remember the last time you took 10 minutes for yourself.  Which day do you prefer?  Which would your family prefer?

I’m not saying that having your own personal space will make all the bad stuff go away, but it just may help you be able to handle matters that come your way, a bit easier.

So, let’s get to it….

Your space should speak to several of your senses.

Touch:  I have a really soft pillow that I love and just sit it on my lap to lay my arms on.

Smell:  I use both candles and incense—whichever I have at the time.  I tend to like what I call “homey” smells—vanilla, lemon, cranberry, etc.  Use what makes you go hmmmmmmmmmmm or ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

Sound:  I actually have a favorite song that I listen too, that kinda calms me down and puts me in a better frame of mind to connect with “source”.  This is who or whatever you consider a higher being, i.e. God, Lord, Almighty, Mohammed.  The song is Hallelujah by Kelly Mooney.  Then I switch to instrumental sounds that are soothing to me.

Sight:  This could be a picture of your family or a favorite pet, a friend, mother/father.  Whatever puts a smile on your face and contentment in your soul when you look at it.

Taste:  Occasionally, I’ll take a favorite tea with me to sip on while I’m in my “space”.  Again, it should be something that makes your soul go, hmmmmmmmmm.  Like a pumpkin spice latte or your favorite soothing tea.

Something to contemplate during your personal time is thinking positive thoughts.

Now let’s put all this together……

 To get your own guide to setting up your retreat, fill out the form above and I’ll send a link to you for the guide.

1.  Choose

Choose a spot that draws you, one that is away from noises and distractions.  This space is for calmness, peace and will be used to reinforce your intentions.

The first thing you want to do with your spot is to get rid of the clutter and mess, if need be, and give the area a good cleaning.  Dirt and especially clutter, messes with the energy around you, therefore messes with you.  You want to create peaceful energy around your retreat.

2.  Collect Your Items

Find some type of box, tray or dish to hold your collected items and help define your space.  I have a box that I use and find it also helps transport my items if I need and want to.

Keep in mind, you want this spot to be soothing.  What things have you held onto, possibly from your kids, or something special from hubby.  These things would have good energy associated with them.  They make your heart smile.

You want to use things that mean something to you or that you are drawn to.  The crystals that I’ve placed around my space, and may hold onto when I meditate, are crystals that I was drawn to.  (I’ll do a post on crystals if you let me know you’d be interested.)

Aromatherapy:  Smells can elevate energy and vibrations, so let’s use it to our advantage.  Candles, incense, diffusers can be used for this.  I prefer the smell of cinnamon, lemon or cranberries.  These scents, especially cinnamon puts a smile in my soul.  It reminds me of good times when I was growing up–apple pie or chocolate chip cookies, anyone?

Display For Your Personal Retreat

Choose a few things that you want to keep close or use and display them on a  tray, pretty scarf or box.  I’ve got sage, a candle, a few sea shells and several crystals that I like in my box.

Things you might want to use in your personal space:

Candles & incense

Salt lamp—provides a nice soft glow of light for your space

Sage—used to cleanse space.

Crystals—different crystal have different meaning and vibrations

Oils:  aromatherapy is good for your soul.  Do you remember a specific smell from your youth that puts a smile on your face or says comfort to you.  That’s what scents can do.  They can transport you somewhere else, or just make you feel good.

Momentos:  things that you cherish, i.e. photos of those you love, trinkets, statues, totems, etc.  If any of these items were given to you in love, that good energy lingers on the object and is good energy for your space.  Add these items to the space but remember not to clutter; lean toward minimalism.

THE PURPOSE OF THESE “THINGS” FOR YOUR PERSONAL SPACE

Lighting your candles, incense or sage helps you let your body and your mind get ready and prepare for your quiet time.  It’s like the things you do getting ready for bed so that by the time your head hits the pillow, you are ready for sleep.

Visualization is part of your quiet time.  Visualize all the negative energy from the day melt away and then further taken away by the wind.  This will also help you feel more grounded.

You may also want to try practicing how to like yourself.

CONCLUSION

I spend my “quiet time” in meditation most of the time, but this time can be used as you see fit, as long as, it helps your inner being feel better about you and only you.  This is time well spent for you and your family.  Try it and you will discover what I mean.

Stay Awesome

Cher

Relevant Reading:
What Is Self Care?
Basket Full of Self Care
Self Care and Wellness Gifts
Health and Self-Care Gift Ideas

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