When you think of creating an inviting and nurturing living space what comes to mind? For me it represents how I feel when I visit my Mom. The sanctuary she lives in makes me feel lovingly adored. A big part of this is the healthy connection we share. But it’s also the aroma of a roast in the oven, freshly laundered sheets, fresh flowers and fragrant candles. My mother is the mistress of creating a nourishing oasis where you can exhale and relax while taking in the beauty of a sacred feminine environment.

The almost 100 year old Craftsman home I live in with my family is cozy and warm. The walls in our living space are painted with warm and rich colors. Granny apple green, barn red and school bus yellow make for a colorful environment and complement all of the maple flooring and built in cabinets. Original paintings and drawings stand at attention on the walls. Most of the art was created by local artisans, friends and my young daughter. Gaze around the room and you will find a special heirloom or unique treasure from a holiday adventure. Every piece has a story. My favorite painting by Simon Bull came home with me from a shopping trip to the lanes in Brighton, UK. After sharing a delightful visit with a talented potter, a piece of his exquisite pottery traveled over the Atlantic to be displayed in our kitchen. The wool throw on my favorite chair came from a small shop in Bruges. Our second floor hallway is covered with photographs from adventures in Hawaii, Antigua, Aruba, Scotland, England, Germany, Holland and many more.

Sacred Sanctuary

• What does your ideal environment look like?
• How does this living space make you feel?
• How does this compare to your current environment?

Here are five steps to create your sacred sanctuary:

1. Clean up your act

Creating a a nurturing space begins with cleaning and de-cluttering your environment. Years ago my particular brand of cleaning was out-of-sight, out-of-mind. I would fly through the house unconsciously stashing away clutter in drawers, closets and cupboards. As long as the immediate area was free and clear. I could breathe a little easier until I went to find whatever it was I’d absentmindedly put away.

Chances are you have at least one grocery bag full of items in each room of your house that you could be rid of. When was the last time you donated you gently used items to Goodwill. Have you considered selling some of your old books, electronics or CDs on Ebay? Is there a neighbor who could use some of the items that no longer serve you?

Want to get a jump-start on cleaning up your space? Hire a maid service to come and spring clean your home. Dust bunnies and refrigerator creatures be gone! Make a list of all of the areas you wish to be cleaned and make it happen. You can find a number of cleaning services online. Look for Molly Maid or Merry Maids. Better yet, ask a friend if they can recommend someone. What a treat! Once you’ve cleaned up your living space you can begin an meaningful inventory of your belongings.

2. Keep only meaningful items and pitch the rest

Let go of old clothing, dishes, linens and outdated decorations. Clean out folders and shred old documents to create more spaciousness. There is something rewarding about keeping only the items that you love and documents that you need. You can let go of all the rest. Take a minute to request electronic invoices for your credit cards, bank statements and cell phone bills. Recycle old magazines.

Do you really plan to keep all of your children’s grade school homework forever? If you can’t part with your children’s school work, choose a few items from each grade and store these special treasures in a safe place. How many gifts have you received that you are hanging on to just in case the person who gave you the gift comes for a visit? Will your Aunt Beverly be devastated if you give away the tea set you never use? Do you really need to keep every book you’ve ever read? What can you let go of?

My rule is that if something new comes in something old goes out. I only buy items that I absolutely LOVE. Shopping therapy can clutter an environment quickly. I recently let go of a skirt that I bought years ago ( and never wore) that still had the tags on it!
What would your sanctuary be like if it contained only items that were either highly functional or incredibly beautiful?

3. Add color, texture and light

Now that you have eliminated most of the non essential items from your living space, you can begin to personalize your environment. What is your favorite color? Do you have anything in your living space that is this color? When was the last time you painted your living room, kitchen, bedroom? Is it time for a color change?
I love going to the spa. When my husband and I renovated our master bath my goal was to create a spa like feeling. Can you recreate a spa environment in your bathroom? How would it feel to slip into a luxurious cotton robe and warm slippers after a relaxing bath? You can easily create a spa environment with a new shower curtain, absorbent towels, candles and soft music.

What about your bedroom? Is the place you sleep, dream and make love an oasis or an eyesore? What might your sanctuary feel like with a high thread count sheets, a new duvet comforter and the absence of a television set?

You can breathe new life into your kitchen by getting rid of cracked dishes and mismatched glasses and coffee cups. I collect Fiesta ware and do not like the coffee cups that come with each place setting. Rather than store them for some unknown reason, I pass them along to a friend who has a yoga studio. Keep a vase on your dining table for fresh flowers, greens, dried grasses or eucalyptus.

Can you see how could can improve the feel of your living space easily and inexpensively?

4. Invite nature in

My home and office contain some kind of natural wonders from the shores and forests of Michigan. I love to collect wild flowers, pussy willows, cat tails, beach stones, pine cones, driftwood and acorns. Each item is a delightful gift from mother nature.

Fresh flowers bring more beauty into any sanctuary. I am graced by a hot pink Gerber daisy on my desk. Beautiful. Invite nature in to your home by displaying a rock or shell collection. I live in an area with four seasons and collect items fitting of each seasonal change.

Another fun way to let nature in is to have some fun with your camera. Get outside and capture images of your favorite tree, flower or breathtaking sunset. You can easily enlarge and print your image, pop it in a frame and Voila! You’ve just brought something you love from nature into your personal space.

5. Set the mood

Music and aromatherapy are perfect for staging the desired mood of an environment. Feel like dancing? What kind of Pop or Rock music might you be listening to? Need to chill out and relax? Classical music or a new age playlist might be a good choice.

You can enhance your environment with scented candles, incense and essential oils. Lavender is perfect for calming effect. Citrus will awaken your senses. I love burning the earthy sweet scent of Shoyeido White Cloud incense when I bathe or meditate. Before bed I often spritz my young daughter’s room with lavender.
When we experimented making our first batch of soap my husband requested a lemon scent because of the invigorating effect citrus has on his senses. I chose lavender for before bed bubble baths.

Begin creating a nurturing sanctuary by getting clear about how you want to feel in your own space. Once you know what you want it’s time to clean and clear the area. Once your space is clean it’s time get rid of the items that longer serve you. Say goodbye to clutter, one room at a time. Paint the walls, add a new throw rug, pillow or special blanket. Invite nature in with collections from the earth or landscape photography. Create the desired mood with your favorite music and fragrances. Follow these simple steps and enjoy your personal oasis of sacred nurturing space.

I love myself by fully appreciating and accepting the woman I am today. I’m learning to let go of guilt, shame and useless drama. I forgive myself for the mistakes I’ve made. I am perfect just as I am. And You are too. You are perfect just as you are. I invite you to open the door and let love in.

If you are bludgeoning yourself for choices made in your unconscious youth or holding a grudge against someone who’s done you harm, it’s time to let it go and receive the healing power of forgiveness.

How would you feel if you could forgive yourself and others for every boundary crossed, every harmful word, every irreverent action? What is the upside of holding on to all of this anger, pain and suffering? If you are holding a grudge, YOU are suffering. If you are hanging on to shame and guilt for choices you made in the past, YOU are committing violent acts against yourself.

Be honest: Are you ready to open your heart and unconditionally love yourself? If your answer is yes, then it’s time to dig deep. As Seane Corn said, “We have to look at where we’re broken and deal with it. Not to smooth things over and be fixed, but to truly be able to allow love in. “

Dance with your shadow. Face her. Embrace her. Only through this deep introspection can you fully let love in.

3 Ways to Begin your healing journey, forgive yourself and open your heart to self-love:

1. Identify what is haunting you. Write your story. Let your tears fall upon the page. Squeeze every detail of how you feel about the ghost(s) of your past. What are you angry about? What do you wish you could change? Are you holding a grudge? How is this story serving you today?

2. Now that you’ve identified your story, write a love letter to yourself from the woman you are today. Write your letter to the little girl, teenager or woman who needs to know she is loved. Accepted. No matter what choices she’s made in her past.

3. Create a sacred acceptance ceremony and honor the woman you are today. Your storied past. Your highs and lows. Begin your ceremony by lighting a candle, taking a deep cleansing breath and reciting (out loud) ten things that you love about yourself. For example: I love myself because I am kind. I love myself because I’m a supportive friend. I love the way I can light up a room with my laugh. etc. Next recite the following phrase: “I am enough. I matter. I love myself just as I am. I forgive myself and others. I will no longer carry the anger, shame or suffering of my past. I am willing to let go of the past and love myself now. And so it is.” Now blow out the candle and give yourself squeeze. You are loved.

Shann’s unique approach to personal transformation blends powerful tools for creating positive change in all areas of life. Join this intimate circle if you are ready for a sacred, sensual and soulful exploration.

In this coaching circle Shann will teach and share practical tools for releasing blocks and unearthing your inner-goddess. Each week you’ll learn how to incorporate these teachings in your life and create positive flow. Shann provides a safe container for self-study, self-care, sacred ritual, and luscious living from the comfort of your own home.

Shann offers:

• Lessons from The Artist’s Way
• Transformational Coaching
• Loving support, spiritual nourishment and healing ritual
• Guided meditation and visualization
• Open dialogue with opportunities to ask questions
• An intimate setting with only four seats available

Come away with:

• A healthy sense of self
• A deep mind-body-soul connection
• Supportive Goddess rituals
• A deeper resonance in your life

Dates: 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29
Time: 7 – 8:30 PM EST
Location: VIA PHONE
Price: $187

Register Today!

I’d be honored to share the Transformation Goddess Group Coaching Circle with you, just fill out the form to the right to secure your spot. You will receive a welcome email followed by a paypal invoice for your reservation. This offer is overflowing with supportive and powerful jewels of wisdom, ritual and indulgence. Ooh La La!

Hey Goddess,

It’s been awhile since we came together for the Transformation Goddess Teleclass and since then, I’ve been getting lots of questions from women around the world. (If you weren’t on the call you are welcome to listen HERE the guided visualization is delightful).

Questions Like: “How do I know if The Transformation Goddess Experience is right for me?” or “Can you really help me increase my self confidence and liberate my inner goddess? or “What does the 3 month mentoring partnership look like?

I’d like to invite you to a special call this Friday, April 27th at 12 Noon EST to answer all of your questions about the Transformation Goddess Experience. An open forum where we will discuss this very unique offering.

This luscious exploration will support you to you unearth your inner Goddess through the exploration of self-study, self-care, sacred ritual, and luscious living from the comfort of your own home. Where else can you find a program that meets you mind, body and soul?

If I told you that you would ROCK YOUR GODDESS LIFE in 3 months would you say yes to joining me?

I know how to do it. And want to show you how.

This isn’t just private one-on-one coaching – although you get 2 private calls and unlimited email. But you also get a virtual retreat, bonus gifts and the chance to connect in the private Transformation Goddess Group on Facebook.

If you are ready to discover your inner Goddess, there is still time.

Join me for the Transformation Goddess Experience!

Click HERE to fill out your personal application now and schedule a personal interview with me next week.

If you are interested but still have questions, join me this Friday at Noon Eastern for an informational gathering where I will answer your questions about

THE TRANSFORMATION GODDESS EXPERIENCE.

Title: Transformation Goddess Q and A Call
Date/ Time: April 27th at 12 Noon EASTERN
Listening method: Phone
To attend Call
Phone Number: (218) 632-4894
Pin Code: 103313

Please put this date: April 27th in your calendar now.

I have a few openings left until this Fall. If you are ready to dig deep and step into your Divine feminine power, then I am holding a seat for you.

Come and dance with me!

-Shann

Join Goddess Shann for a lively, fun and nurturing conversation on Wednesday, April 4th at 7:00pm Eastern.

• I’ve been in that place where I put everyone else before my own needs and didn’t know how to reclaim my feminine sovereignty.
• I’ve been in that place where I lost touch with my inner voice and accepted the status quo of my life.

Today I am rocking my Goddess life and I invite you to be the Goddess of your own life. It’s time to circle up and tap into your soulful, sensual and sacred feminine self.

Learn more about the Transformation Goddess Teleclass and Register for this FREE offering  HERE.

The Transformation Goddess Experience is for you if…
Watch this short video to learn if you are a Transformation Goddess.

Join me for a free teleclass on April 4th to learn more about this luscious offering.

Claim your spot HERE.

The Transformation Goddess Experience was created specifically for women like you—creative, spiritual, courageous women who are READY.
(Ready for what? Only your inner Goddess can tell you!) I invite you to watch this video to determine if you are a Transformation Goddess.