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From my sacred archives… When you dream of creating a sacred and nurturing living space what comes to mind for you? For me it represents how I feel when I visit my Mom. The sanctuary she’s created makes me feel safe, comfortable and lovingly adored. A big part of this is the connection we share, but it’s also the aroma of a roast in the oven, freshly laundered sheets, vases of colorful flowers and fragrant candles. My mother is the mistress of creating an oasis where you can exhale and relax while taking in the beauty of her 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 custom cabinets. Original paintings and photographs cover the walls. Most of the art was created by local artisans, friends and my young daughter. Look around the room and you will find special heirlooms and treasures from holiday adventures. Every piece has a story. My favorite painting by Simon Bull came home with me from a shopping trip at the lanes in Brighton, UK. After sharing a delightful visit with an artist, 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 to Hawaii, Antigua, Aruba, Scotland, England, Germany, Holland and more.

• 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 environment

Creating 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 large 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 cleaning service to spring clean your home. 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.  

Once you’ve cleaned up your living space and work space it’s time to take inventory of your belongings.

2. Keep only meaningful items 

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 may 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 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. I was given a gorgeous box for all of my daughter’s special school projects.  

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 that no longer serves you? 

My rule is that if something new comes in something old goes out. I only buy items that I absolutely LOVE. Retail therapy can clutter an environment quickly. I recently let go of a skirt that I bought years ago that still had the tags on it!

What would your sanctuary be like if it contained only items that were either highly functional, meaningful and beautiful?

3. Color, texture and light

After you’ve 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 on a shoe-string budget. 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 computer or television set?

You can breathe new life into your kitchen by getting rid of cracked dishes and mismatched glasses and coffee cups. I collect Fiestaware and don’t like the coffee cups that come with each place setting. Rather than store them, I passed them along to a friend with a yoga studio. Add a new throw rug, get rid of worn out pans and trashed utensils. I like to keep a vase on our 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 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. Delightful gifts from mother nature.

Fresh flowers bring more beauty into any environment. I have a hot pink Gerber daisy on my desk. You can 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 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 pillows with lavender water.

Begin to create your nurturing sanctuary by clarifying how you want to feel in your own space. Once you know what you want, it’s time to clean and clear the area. Then 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 flowers, shell or stone collections and landscape photography. Create the desired mood with your favorite music and aromatherapy. Follow these simple steps and enjoy your sacred sanctuary. 

About Shann Vander Leek

Shann Vander Leek

Shann is a Transformational Leader, Award-Winning Podcaster, Best-Selling Author, Voice Over Talent, Podcast Coach, and Producer. She lives in the village of Suttons Bay, Michigan with her beloved husband and mouthy old cat. This Goddess Shines!

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Mary Pritchard Mar 5, 2014, 4:29 pm

    What a great Spring cleaning ritual! Thanks for sharing this, Shann!

    • Shann Mar 5, 2014, 5:57 pm

      Hi Mary,
      Thanks for stopping by and my pleasure! xox – Shann

  • Nadia Mar 5, 2014, 4:40 pm

    Sanctuary Home. Wonderful Article!

    • Shann Mar 5, 2014, 5:58 pm

      Hi Nadia,

      Thank you for your kindness! Big LOVE, Shann

  • Andrea Mar 5, 2014, 6:27 pm

    Perfect time for me to read this post. We are in new home and following these steps is helping us to create a beautiful, nurturing space. Thanks again.

    • Shann Mar 6, 2014, 3:49 pm

      Hi Andrea,
      My pleasure.
      Congratulations on your new home!
      xo – Shann

  • Sue Kearney (@MagnoliasWest) Mar 5, 2014, 7:24 pm

    Thanks for the loving reminders, Shann. I’m thinking it’s been too long since I’ve had any flowers on my inspiration altar… I’ll cut some tomorrow.

    So grateful for you!!

    xoxox
    Sue

    • Shann Mar 6, 2014, 3:49 pm

      Hi Sue,

      What kind of flowers did you place on your altar?
      xox – Shann

  • David Stevens Mar 5, 2014, 10:27 pm

    Exhilarating Shann,
    Thank You.

    Be good to yourself
    David

    • Shann Mar 6, 2014, 3:50 pm

      Hi David,

      Glad you enjoyed it!
      Cheers,
      Shann

  • Tara Sage Steeves Mar 6, 2014, 8:27 am

    Your words transported me, first to your mother’s home and then to yours. What a gift you have with words! I too have a story connected to every piece of art in my home – I love it.

    Thank you for this post, Shann – very timely. I just scheduled a cleaning service to come to my home on Monday and this weekend I will be walking through these very steps. Love and light to YOU.

    • Shann Mar 6, 2014, 3:51 pm

      Hi Tara,

      I’m so glad you were moved by this post. Thank you for your kindness.
      So much love,
      Shann

  • Suzie Cheel Mar 7, 2014, 5:05 pm

    Great post and just yesterday I refreshed my altar and reading this realise I have not been inviting nature in, we have frangipanis in the garden they will be ideal xx

    • Shann Mar 10, 2014, 10:44 am

      Thanks Suzie!
      I’ve never hear of Frangipanis!
      I’ll have to look them up. XO

  • Linda Joy Mar 9, 2014, 9:59 am

    Shann, I could almost ‘see’ your wonderful home and the sacred space you’ve created for yourself Nd your family. Thanks for the great tips… Realized I haven’t bought fresh flowers in quite awhile… Adding them to today’s shopping list.

    • Shann Mar 10, 2014, 10:45 am

      Hi Linda,

      You deserve fresh flowers at ALL times! Enjoy!! XO

  • Tina Mar 9, 2014, 10:09 am

    I love your tips Shann! Oh my, I had to laugh when I read the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ piles as I just realised I’ve had a few of those building! Time to sort out again.
    Mid 2012 I sold and gave away nearly all my belongings and it was extraordinary to discover how much I’d collected over the years. Knowing it was making someone else happy now felt so good and it was such a liberating experience. Amazing, though, how fast those piles start to grow again;)
    Apart from that, I do have a beautiful sacred space, though, and love having essential oils and candles in my room, plus frangipanis from the garden.

    joyful blessings, Tina

    • Shann Mar 10, 2014, 10:47 am

      Tina,

      Thank you for your kindness. You are the second person to mention Frangipanis today! I’d never heard of them before and had to look them up! Then I realize I knew them as Plumeria. Big LOVE!

  • Lorraine Mar 9, 2014, 1:13 pm

    LOL – not only has the time come for another round of ruthless clutter clearing, the temperatures are warm enough to move the last rounds out of the garage and onto the local salvage exchange centre and landfill. New paint colours are close to being finalized and will bring the vibrant, eclectic energy of Mexico inside framing the amazing expansive view out the windows. Sparse and silent by most accounts, my home would not be a sanctuary or sacred without my cats.

    • Shann Mar 10, 2014, 10:49 am

      Hi Lorraine,

      Sounds like you are on a roll! Your new paint colors sound gorgeous and right up my alley. Hello to your cats!! XO

  • Vironika Tugaleva Mar 9, 2014, 6:58 pm

    I love this no-nonsense, minimalist approach. I found that getting rid of old items played an incredibly powerful part in my healing. Donating the items was very meaningful as well. Embracing constant change is, truly, the road to peace.

    • Shann Mar 10, 2014, 10:50 am

      Hi Vironika,

      Thank you for your kindness. And I agree with you. Change is… We might as well embrace it!

  • Jenny Mar 10, 2014, 1:07 pm

    This is lovely, Shann!

    It’s interesting for me to feel into this, because I’m currently technically ‘homeless.’ I’m a housesitter, which means I move frequently all over the country and get to experience sanctuaries designed by different people. All I own is what I can carry.

    I was just thinking about this the other day, though. I recently moved from a gorgeous house filled with wonderful art and music to a very sparse, somewhat cold apartment in a different city. When I arrived, the kitchen was filthy and the bathroom drain clogged. I felt myself getting angry, feeling like this sanctuary was not how I wanted, especially after the last place, which was truly a haven. Then I realised in some ways, it’s a clean slate. It’s a little gross to have to clean up someone else’s mess, but since I’m here for a bit, I can make it my own.

    It really does show me that I don’t have to accept someone else’s definition of my space, and can do whatever small things I can to make myself feel at home while I’m there (like bringing flowers in).

    Thanks for this lovely article!
    Big Love to you <3

  • Jan Mar 10, 2014, 5:29 pm

    Lovely Shann. I also left a comment on Visionary Female Authors, but wanted to share here too. Although I don’t have the same fond thoughts of my mother’s house, her sense of quality runs deep. My home is a sanctuary, and it serves me well. It is for this reason that I care for each room with mindfulness and respect. It’s a joy of mindfulness I have tried to instill in my own offspring. Rather than “housework” we practice home care. It reminds me to express gratitude for the sweet sanctuary that takes such good care of me. Even the closets and bookshelves are feng shui perfection. Thanks for this thoughtful prose.

    • Yvonne Mar 30, 2014, 3:14 pm

      I love the term homecare instead of housework – will be using it from now on 🙂
      Thanks, Y xxx

  • Pamela Mar 11, 2014, 4:22 pm

    Thanks Shann for all the great ideas for creating a sacred sanctuary. You’ve energized me to get started cleaning up and clearing out the clutter 🙂

  • dee hennessy Mar 28, 2014, 8:08 am

    Love this. Thank you

  • Renee Mar 28, 2014, 11:47 am

    This is an awesome post. I am always about the home and how it should be treated.
    (Hestia is my patron Goddess and she represents home) Loved this!!

    • shannvanderleek Mar 28, 2014, 11:52 am

      Hi Renee,

      Thanks for much for your kindness. Cheers to Goddess Hestia! xx

  • Vivienne Mar 29, 2014, 5:43 pm

    Very timely article. I have the builders at the moment and everything is covered in dust! I have been hanging out for my new office for ages, it’s not big it was the original bathroom, so all the ‘paperwork’ will have it’s own home. The new bathroom was created out of a small bedroom and I love it. I have also created a new bedroom out of a sunroom and part of a wide hallway. Everytime I go into this new room, not yet completed, it has no ceiling I find myself thinking about what I will do with this room. As I don’t need it for a bedroom just now thoughts have been hovering round my brain about a spiritual room. Having read your article reinforced that. Will just let it happen as it should, no over thinking on this one.

    Thank you so much Shann.

    Love and light.
    Vivienne.

    • Shann Mar 30, 2014, 11:02 am

      Hi Vivienne,
      What an exciting time for you! Enjoy the transformation of your sacred space.
      Big LOVE, Shann

  • Boni Lonnsburry Dec 10, 2014, 8:15 am

    Shann,

    This is an awesome post and has hit home for me. I’ve been in my homes for five years now, and something has shifted with my Boulder home.

    As I read your post, I realized it is no longer the office I love and something must change. I’m thinking of moving…not my house, but my office and my magic room into other rooms in the house.

    I must sit with this one to choose which ones to switch. Meanwhile, thank you so much for opening up this new vision for me!

    love,
    Boni

    • Shann Dec 10, 2014, 8:56 am

      My pleasure Boni.
      Enjoy the transformation!
      XO