I just spent the day in my office, appreciating the space and the focus that it provides. As much as it is my office it is also my sacred space.
I have items of value to me and me alone: sacred objects, candles, a rock or two. The pictures have meanings and mood to them, even the rug under my desk feels special because it was given to me by my now-passed mother-in- law. All in all, the objects create a place that I call not only my office, but also my sanctuary.
I Know we are all business people here, yet we are also independent, idea filled entrepreneurs, and that suggests a different lifestyle than the business-as-usual cubicle kingdom. Even if your business does have cubicles or if you work at home from your converted laundry room or from behind the counter of your store front, consider creating a sacred space somewhere in your office space. The reasons for doing so are as rich and varied as each entrepreneur, but consider a few: 1.Sacred space provides a focus point. When I am feeling distracted from work, a special object or picture often draws me back to task. 2. Sacred objects and pictures can create an affirmative atmosphere, a place where all things are possible. 3. Personal touches to your space affirms just who is operating here, who is in charge and who is taking care of business. 4. Sacred space declares to the universe: I am here! See me! Hear my wishes!
Story: Years ago, I was giving counsel to and painting an aura picture for a young mom of four. Busy in her life, and with some dramas to attend to, to say she was overstretched was putting it mildly. On my part, besides offering some stress reduction tips, I offered this: “I feel it’s important to create an altar somewhere in the house that is strictly for your use. Maybe a counter top, or a bit of your dresser, but put a candle there, and a few other objects sacred to you, and tell the kids that this is mom’s altar, and they are to respect it. If they want their own they can have one too.”
She went home feeling renewed and grateful. I did not hear from her for quite some time, and when I did it was via an excited phone call: “Elke, I just had to tell you, my house burnt down to the ground last week!” Offering up my sympathy, she interrupted: “That’s not why I called you though. I need to tell you something: when I last left your office, I immediately went home and put together a personal altar on an old steel desk top in the garage. Candles, a crystal I like, a little statue and your aura watercolor to inspire me. I went to my altar when I needed to say a little prayer for me or the kids or for strength or whatever."
"Well, when the house burnt down, the fire was so hot that everything was destroyed, and I mean everything. There was nothing but ashes to pick through a few days later. I went to where my garage used to be and kicked around the rubble when my foot struck a hunk of metal: the melted metal altar desk! I picked up the metal, and could not believe my eyes: There were two candles, un-melted, the little statue, the un hurt crystal."
I murmured "Wow, that's amazing!"
"But wait, there’s more," she could hardly contain her excitement. “Your water color painting of my soul was there, unframed, and absolutely untouched except for one thing: Your message to me at the bottom of the painting where you signed it was completely erased. Other than that, no water or fire damage anywhere!”
The portrait was a testament to her true self, and the opportunity was clear: time to write a new message to herself. Her sacred space survived. And so would she.
Sacred space acknowledges who we are and what we are about. It is a space that can take us out of time and space, and open up possibilities we haven’t even dreamed of yet.
Happy holydays, and find your own unique sacred space.