Journey to Our Safe and Sacred Space

In April, Stress Awareness Month, we shared with you a simple practice to identify and relax those areas where you carry stress and tension in your body. Did you have the opportunity to try it out? Were you able to find 5 or 50 minutes to practice? Are you ready to take it a step further? If so, consider setting 15 minutes (or more) aside for the following practice.  This can be done in the privacy of your living room or in the chaos of your office.

Journey to the Safe and Sacred Space

Begin by centering yourself or going through the Body Scan and Relaxation Practice found here. (If possible, play soft music in the background) Once you are relaxed and free from tension, imagine you are on a journey to a very special place at the center of your soul. This is your inner refuge, your safe and sacred space where only you can enter. Take time to journey to this place and discover your special refuge.

What is it like? Perhaps it is a garden, full of flowers and beautiful trees. Or maybe it is in the mountains, by a lake or in a meadow with clear blue sky and passing clouds. Or perhaps your safe space is in a chapel or childhood place. Decide now where you will go to be in your safe and sacred space. Take some time to explore and create this place, filling it with all that will support and nourish you. Are there colors, sounds, smells, or textures that you are aware of? How do you feel in this place? What is it like for you?

Take some time to enjoy your special place. Feel very safe, secure, and peaceful. Take time to open yourself to receive whatever you may need at this moment. Take a few more moments enjoying your refuge of peace. Look around for some image that you can bring back with you to remind you of your refuge. And when you feel ready say goodbye to your safe space, knowing you that you can return here whenever you desire. Begin to return to your body. Stretch and flex you feet and toes, your arms and fingers. Slowly count to 5 and return to your body and the room. Open your eyes and notice the difference in your body. (From Capacitar International, Inc.*)

Taking some time to write or draw the experience. If you have gone through this with others, talk about what the experience was like for you.