How to Create a Sacred Yoga Space At Home

6 Tips to Create a Yoga and Meditation Space at Home

These days with the excessive amount of information out there it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The ability to stay present decreases while distractions increase. Check the phone, send that email, create that post, write that blog...you get the idea. The devices and platforms designed to keep us connected leave us feeling more disconnected. We are constantly fueling our yang energy, the masculine energy that moves us forward. By continuously being in motion we leave little room for the yin, or feminine energy. We must honor both the masculine and feminine energies we all possess in order to create balance internally.

When we sit with our breath in stillness and spend time away from distractions the mind, body, and spirit learn to relax. It's in this space of stillness we honor our Yin, calming nurturin part of us, and begin to rebuild the connection with our authentic Self. This is why it is essential to create a space to help you disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself. I’ve learned that creating a little sanctuary in my house is essential to my yoga and meditation practice. I personally believe it's most important that you take the time to create with intention. Learn the 6 best ways to create a sacred space at home to bring you the most peace and joy.

#1 Choose Your Space

Decide where you want your space to be. This could be indoors or outdoors, a cozy little nook in the corner, or even a whole room. Try to pick a place that's quiet, where you wont be disturbed easily. Some questions to keep in mind are:

• Do I want my space to be inside or outside?

• Do I want lots of light or a dimmer, more intimate setting?

• Is my sacred space private or are others allowed to enter?

• How much space do I want/need?

• What does sacred mean to me?

Once you answer these questions, you're ready to move onto tip #2.

#2 Release the Old

Now that you've claimed your space it's time to declutter. I always come back to one of my favorite books when it comes to tidying up and that's Mari Kondo's: Spark Joy. If you've never read her books and want to create a better space throughout your whole house, this book is a must. The main takeaway is - whether you're clearing things out in your home or adding things in - do it with intention and make sure it sparks joy!

If there's furniture in the way or items that do not spark joy in your space, now is the perfect opportunity to thank those items for serving its purpose and let them go. By doing this you not only let go of something on a physical level but energetic one as well.

We should be choosing what we want to keep. Not what we want to get rid of. ~ Marie Kondo

Everything holds energy and if the things around you aren't bringing you joy, then it's most likely creating heaviness. The first way to start feeling lighter in the heart, body and soul is to release the things that no longer serve us. (This could apply to relationships too, but I digress). Once you've decided to create a space it's time to cleanse.

#3 Cleanse the New

When we release old items sometimes remnants of the old, stagnant energy can remain. This can be caused not only by items and dust but also from the people you allow in your space, or home. So take this opportunity to clean and cleanse the space before you decorate and add what you want in it. A great way to do this is by:

1. Mopping, vacuuming, and dusting

2. Letting in as much natural light as possible

3. Opening all the windows to let fresh air flow

4. Burning white sage, palo santo, or incense (nag champra is one of my favorite)

***Remember to release with intention and keep windows open when you burn sage or palo santo as it gives unwanted energy the ability to exit the space completely. I cleanse my home every day. Every day is different and whether we see it or not we are constantly taking on the energies of other people and environments. .

#4 Create an Altar for the Heart

Designate a little space where you can see your favorite things that spark the most joy and create a sense of calm within. This could be a small table or bookshelf that make your new space even more sacred. Just to give you some ideas the following are some of my favorite things I have on my altar to help you get started:

1. An abalone shell with white sage and Palo Santo (I linked a little starter kit you might like) to cleanse the space when needed

2. Crystals ( clear quartz for clarity and selenite for protection)

3. Flowers (you can get artsy and create your own mandala with flowers)

4. Candles (cause who doesn't love candles?)

5. Little yoga figurines

6. Pictures of your fav people, places, or things

Most importantly, whatever you choose to put on your altar make sure it not only sparks joy but is also authentic to you and what your soul needs. You're gonna be seeing this every time you come to find stillness, so make sure these are things that bring your heart peace and happiness.

#5 Engage the Senses

While I studied Tantra Yoga in Ecuador, I learned a lot about sound and senses and how to create a yoga space and devotional altar. When we engage our senses we not only ground the body but also allow ourselves to be present with all that is around us. Some of the best ways to help ground get grounded are by:

1. Adding your favorite plants or flowers

2. Using a diffuser with your favorite essential oils

3. Playing a Tibetan Singing bowl, crystal Singing bowl, or drum

4. Adding small (or large) fountain

5. Playing your favorite calming playlist

6. Burning sage, palo, or incense (can't get enough of this stuff lol)

7. Turning on a Himalayan salt lamp

Using all of these things isn't necessary but I know they've all helped me to come back to a state of calm when life feels unbalanced. To find balance we need to create it. For me, having a safe place to do that is essential.

Your Sacred Space is where you can find yourself again and again ~ Joseph Campbell

#6 Set your Boundaries

The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for all the other relationships you have in your life. This comes with knowing your boundaries. If you live with others, explain to them what your space is for, when you will be using it, and that it's a special place you need for your physical, mental and spiritual well being. Ask them to respect the space and your time in it. By creating a sanctuary you are in turn creating more space in your heart to hold and care for the people you love.

There are so many benefits to having a sacred space and we don’t need to spend hours in silence to reap the the benefits. Even a few minutes of quiet time can help build a more balanced relationship within our body, feelings, mind, sexuality and spirituality. Practicing mindfulness and meditation in your new space can help:

• Reduce stress

• Increase self-awareness and presence

• Develop compassion and kindness towards self and others

• Manage painful thoughts and feelings

• Live a more balanced and conscious life

• Experience more peacefulness and calm

• Reconnect with our true selves, others and our environment

• Gain a greater sense of clarity, focus and concentration

I hope this helps you get one step closer to disconnecting from the outside world and reconnecting with yourself. If this article resonates with you, comment below. I'd love to hear about all about it.