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Step Two: Create Your Sacred Space, continued

When you create your own sacred space, no matter how simple or how complex, you are expressing your creativity in undiluted form. The objects you select and the way you arrange and display them is unconditionally your own; you are acting from somewhere deep within and nobody else's opinion of what looks good matters at all. That's important, especially if you share your home with others. As adults, we rarely have 'rooms of our own' in the family home -- although it's a given that kids deserve their private space when possible, we downplay our grown-up needs. By creating a small patch of personal space and using it for quiet times alone, even if it is in a shared bedroom, you are carving out some privacy and expressing your uniqueness.

Even if you live alone and your home is already quite tranquil, having a sacred corner is powerful. It can be a place where deliberately you focus your attention inwards in ways you don't elsewhere in the house, and, through displaying symbols of things you want to achieve, it can help you set your intentions so you can invite those things into your life. Regardless of what your life situation is, you will find that your sacred corner helps turn new techniques, like short meditations or spells of relaxing breathing, into rituals that you love to include in your day.

Exercise: Create Your Sacred Corner

This is a fun exercise to do after you have made some headway on cleaning the clutter in your home. First, pick a spot to create this small installation. It should be an area that is quiet, out of the way, and has a good energy to it. Look for an existing shelf, table, or ledge. Perhaps you could clear one bookshelf or use the top of a dresser. Using a shelf inside an armoire is an option as well; opening the doors to access it lets you 'step in' to your special area. There should be space to sit opposite this surface, on a cushion on the ground or in a chair, if that is how you like to meditate. Consider using unexpected areas like a garden or deck if you live in warm climates (you can always move your location in harsher seasons), and scan spare rooms: perhaps there's an unused alcove or nook that could be given new purpose with some paint and better light. To create more privacy, you could bring a folding screen into the space to cordon off your area when you are using it for quiet sitting, thereby creating the feeling of seclusion.

If there's no ledge or surface available, you'll need to get one. A simple solution is to purchase an inexpensive child's step-stair, which you can paint or decorate if necessary, to create a low, small shelf. Or look for a cheap table at a flea market and cut the legs off to make it the appropriate height. This will become the foundation to your little shrine.

Now you're ready to create the arrangement. Let your creativity take flight. You can go as simple or as fantastic as you like. I've seen minimal Japanese style corners with just three beautiful objects -- a rock, a bowl of water, and a plant -- displayed on a piece of wood, yet I've also seen Mexican-influenced altars featuring vivid colors, kitschy knick-knacks, and chili-pepper Christmas lights that throw red light into the room. The question is what type of space will encourage you to connect with the comfort and peace within?

Start simply and allow your style to emerge over time. This is a work-of-art that will always be in progress -- you can change or modify this space as much as you want. Laying down a strip of beautiful fabric is a good way to begin because it makes an ordinary surface more special and marks this as a separate space. Look for a color and texture that delights you. Shimmering silks in vibrant hues such as purple or orange have spiritual appeal, while red is warm and sensual. Or, neutral textiles in taupe or white will create a clean and minimal backdrop for your arrangement. Next, gather a few objects to display. The idea is not to simply decorate the surface with things that look cute together, but to combine objects that create a sensation of "ahh." I find a combination of elemental objects -- things that represent earth, fire, water, and air -- with personal objects works well. The only criterion is that they appeal to your sensibility and feel right.

Elemental items can ground your sacred corner, because they are tangible, visible things that connect you to the physical world. One or more of the following may be used:

• To represent earth: some polished rocks, pebbles, or sand.
• To represent fire: a candle.
• To represent water: a small bowl of water with flower petals in it; a plug in water fountain.
• To represent air: incense or a scent stick.

Now add in a few items have emotional and spiritual significance, meaning that they reflect your personal passions and interests and connect you to your truth. They may be mementoes and treasures, pictures in carved or decorative frames, postcards, letters, small statues, or figurines. Small bells and bowls, reminiscent of Buddhist shrines, can be beautiful. Animal figures may have significance to you. If there's a place that you find inspiring, include a photograph. You may want to leave photos of your family or friends for other parts of the house; this spot devoted to a very personal and introspective state, and images of those you have relationships with can bring up a lot of thoughts. Let nature be your source: try adding in attractive shells, feathers, small plants, and flowers. If fresh flowers aren't available, choose silk flowers over dried ones, which can have a dusty, dead energy.