Creating a Sacred Space
By Stephanie MacDonald
Balancing Act
Teresa Bockhold interior design/feng shui consultant
“My altar is a quiet place off my bedroom. Because it’s east-facing, this room receives morning light, bringing with it the sunrise and the hope of each new day. I’ve balanced the room by incorporating elements of nature. A two-tiered dresser houses my altar. On the central lower level of the dresser I’ve placed a marble vessel with water and a fresh flower and a candle. Higher up, a yin-yang wooden candleholder holds two candles, reminding me of life’s polarities and the power of choice, balance, and harmony. I light these candles to symbolically activate these principles in my daily life.”
Finding Zen
Michele Davidson professional celebrant
“As a practising Buddhist, contemplative spaces are integral to my life. I love to meditate in the cozy shrine room of our home. But I also longed for an outdoor meditation space where I could welcome the dawn in summer. Our garden was built by hand by Zen Gardens’ (zengardens.ca ) Yoshi Kawasaki and his wife, Dorothy Kennedy. They worked with great mindfulness, using natural materials to create this sacred enclave of peace in the city. My husband isn’t a Buddhist, but when this garden was completed, he also felt emotional. In the opposite corner of the garden is his chair with his favourite view.”
Centering 101
Maureen Jack-Lacroix ecology speaker & event producer
“My room reflects elements from my personal multi-faith daily practice. Since I tend to do my practice in the morning, this east-facing room benefits from the early sunlight. The four corners reflect the four elements—north, earth; east, air; south, fire; west, water—and the centre of the room is the self. On my altar are representations of the elements expressed by nature: shells, crystals, feathers, pine cones. In my home I have created other sacred corners to remind me to connect to my soul even when I’m not doing my practice.”
Teresa Bockhold, an interior design consultant, meditates in the personal retreat space she created in her home.
Need to retreat?
Teresa Bockhold offers five tips for creating your own unique space
- Everything in the universe has a unique vibration and a personal, cultural, and emotional association. So style, placement, materials, lighting, shapes, symbols, and colour will evoke different feelings for different folks depending on their personal nature and preferences. Understanding your nature is key to making relevant and meaningful selections.
- No home with clutter will ever inspire quiet contemplation. Cluttered spaces create cluttered minds. What we see, we think about. Sacred space should be free of distracting items. Only that which inspires should be visible. Be vigilant in this respect. Clear is as clear does.
- Placement of a personal or sacred object can be a simple but powerful invitation to go deep and reflect. I have created a personal altar for my own daily use. However, you can purposely place other significant images and objects into the decor throughout your home as gentle and periodic nudges to stay present as you move through the house. These items will capture your eye and shift your mood as you pass them—a gentle cue to take a deep breath or tune in.
- What if you have only a tiny space to spare? It’s simple to create a sacred space on a very small scale. A round metal container filled with water and flowers with a stone or a crystal and a lit candle can be placed on any surface and will bring in the five elements of nature.
- To accommodate an even smaller space, hang an object of inspiration on a wall; a picture or poster encompassing the five elements can create a powerful sacred focus. Or place a small item or simple vignette on any surface. A subtly lit sculpture, for example, can become the focus for contemplation and renewal.
—Learn more about Teresa’s interior design services at teresabockholddesign.com .
