Do you remember, as a child, having times when you were just “be-ing” instead of doing? I recall laying on the grass looking up at the sky and just watching the clouds float by, watching the changing shapes turn into angels, dragons, horses and other things that a child’s imagination conjures up. Back then, we knew instinctively how to just “be.” And there was always a special little place where we could go to just be by ourselves.

We had the key and weren’t even aware of it. The key to what, you say? The key that connects us up to the stream of Divine consciousness, that reminds us of the Truth of who we truly are, that puts us back into the flow.

As we grew up, some of us maintained that special place where we could go to be unencumbered by the demands of everyday life. Sometimes it wasn’t a physical space at all. I like to think of it as a space or a mindspace where we go alone to be with our Source.

One of my places was a certain spot in the woods in the northern part of Michigan. Among twenty-two acres of hardwood trees, nature created little pathways that you could walk along. It was so serene that all you were aware of was the crunching of the autumn leaves beneath your feet.

In one area, deep into the trees, there was an overturned tree, just perfect to sit on. I would park myself there for hours and just bask in the sights and sounds of nature going on around me. This, for me, was paradise on earth. It was my place to just “be,” my special and sacred sanctuary in the woods.

People from India recognize the importance of these sacred areas. Living close to and honoring the Divine is a part of their everyday lives. In most Hindu homes, there is an area where an altar is set up. In some homes, it fills the entire basement. This place is sacred and special to every member of the family. They go there to pray, to meditate and to connect to their Source. It always feels wonderful to me to come into their homes because the energy from that sacred altar space permeates throughout the entire house... it feels like you are entering a temple.

As part of my spiritual journey, like many of you, I am drawn to things that resonate with my vibration. Years ago, I began collecting sacred objects, stones, feathers, icons, crystals, blessed items, malas and artwork that called out to me. I started grouping them together in one area and soon discovered that whenever I was in that space, a peacefulness gently blanketed me. I felt calmer, soothed and sometimes even received visions or inspiration on something that had been troubling me. I realized that I had created my first “altar,” a safe, sacred place that I could go to anytime.

From that point on, every time I have moved, one of the first things I do, after blessing the home, is to create an altar area. Things move in and out of that space and sometimes I clear it altogether and start over. The outward appearance is irrelevant because that area remains an energetic touchstone, always there, like a silent friend, beckoning me to come and find peace, come and feel refreshed, come and commune with Source.

In the hectic world we live in, there are times when we need to get away from it all. For some people, gardening does it. For others, it’s relaxing in a hot tub. Yet others find they can change their vibration with the resonant tones of their favorite music.

Sacred spaces are portals to our Universal connection. When you open yourself up to the Divine flow, your life will become easier, happier and filled with more things that bring you joy.

All you need to do is give yourself a little “room.”