Sacred Space: Create and establish a sacred space. A sacred space can be established in a worship setting, a retreat setting, and even in your own home.
Today I am going to focus on creating and establishing a personal sacred space. There is a Celtic understanding called Thin Places. Thin places are those places where the veil between heaven and earth seems more transparent. Typically, a thin place is a place we are more receptive and open to God’s presence and leading. Of course, God can meet us anywhere and everywhere; yet, there are places, there are times in our lives, and there are people in our lives through whom we tend to experience God’s presence more readily. It is not that God is more available, but rather we who are more aware and open. Creating a sacred space is the intentional act of making space for God, working to create a potential Thin Place. As you think about what your sacred space might look like, ask yourself, what will help me draw closer to God? Conversely, what will act as a distraction from God. Those things that will help you draw closer to God should be a part of your sacred space.
What might a sacred space look like? My sacred space sits in the corner of my studio, my atelier. There is a comfy chair and ottoman, a lamp, a centering table that has a beautiful and tactile cloth with a mosaic cross (that I once made) sitting upon it. There is also a candle that I light (which reminds me of God's presence) when I go there to pray and study. I have a bible, a journal, a sketch pad, and pencils.
This space should be tailor made for you -- a place where you are comfortable, that resonates with who you are, and helps you to focus on and connect with God. It could involve a rug, kneeler, and perhaps floor pillows if you prefer to pray from the floor. If you find yourself connecting with God at the beach, perhaps the image of the beach and the sounds of waves might be a part of your sacred space. If the mountains are where you experience God’s presence then perhaps an image of the mountains will be a part of your sacred space. Your sacred space can be inside or even on a porch. Take some time to think about the times in your life you have felt closest to God. With this in mind, as the framework, create your sacred space.
The tools you regularly use to connect with God should be readily available in this space. Your sacred space is organic, vibrant, and dynamic. As you grow in your spiritual walk, your sacred space will change to reflect where you are with God and your self. Be open to letting go of things that act as ongoing distractions. Be receptive to trying new ways of encountering God. Each time you go there you should go expecting and hoping to encounter God’s presence. Will there be days you don’t? Absolutely. The sacred space, though, helps to cultivate a habit and be intentional about spiritual discipline and formation. A sacred space acts as a tool for helping us to have a place to regularly go and connect with God and self. May your sacred space become a Thin Place for you where you readily and regularly experience the presence, love, and direction of God.