Create a Healing Environment for Yourself
Through the ages and throughout the world, ancient healing practices have included sacred settings or places where people could come to renew, refresh, and heal themselves. Such sacred spaces have taken many forms. Think of Stonehenge with its ancient rituals, the miracles of Lourdes, the Holy Land and Mecca, the Great Pyramids, Native American sacred circles, and the exotic temples of Tibet.
If you follow a particular faith, your house of worship may be such a place for you. However, regardless of whether you have a favorite sacred place of worship or retreat, you can also benefit by creating a private sacred space in your home or office, which can be a healing space as well.
A place to call your own, and to use as your personal sanctuary, can be a comforting touchstone during the cancer journey. Even if it's only a shelf or table top, or perhaps a small room, creating a sacred space for yourself, and incorporating it into your daily life, can be a wonderful gift.
Many people like to create an altar, which combines the "real" world of what you see, feel, touch, and smell with the "spiritual" world, including what you trust, love, and find most inspiring. As you let your imagination mull over your emotions, feelings, sensations, and surroundings, you will likely become clear about the best way to create an environment that nurtures, comforts, and heals you.
The purpose of a sacred space is to infuse one's spirit with a celebration of life and love, to provide refuge and regeneration, and to create an intentional focal point for contemplation or meditation about what's most important to you. The components that come into play are as varied as the people incorporating them. Among the most universal elements are color, art, beloved objects, photos, music, aromatics, candles, and lighting.
Selecting and creating healing areas in your house or office can be fun and creative. Family members may want to participate, perhaps by providing a special object for your healing altar. Every room can incorporate this philosophy—even your kitchen and bath. Helpful resources might include Denise Linn's books Sacred Space and Altars: Bringing Sacred Shrines into Your Everyday Life. Consider these ideas:
Color
Changing color can dramatically affect how it feels to be in a particular space. Sometimes even changing the color of a single wall or a piece of furniture can have a powerful impact. Endless variations await your selection. Nature may provide the inspiration. One interpretation of the psychology of different colors finds that:
- Beige walls represent intelligence, technology, security, and tranquility.
- Green symbolizes healing, growth, renewal, freshness, hope, and good luck.
- Blue adds spirituality, relaxation, peace, and dependability to the setting.
Consider what different colors mean to you, and choose what feels right. Perhaps you desire the joy and optimism of yellow, the energy and warmth of red, or the purity and innocence of white. For a basic understanding of how to incorporate the colors you have selected, Donald Kaufman and Taffy Dahl's book Color: Natural Palettes for Painted Rooms offers powerful ideas.
Art
Art can be a powerful addition to any altar, room, or sacred space. It can help express your overall vision for your healing process. Art can be anything from drawings and paintings to sculptures or natural objects. It doesn't have to be expensive to greatly enhance your healing space. A drawing by your child may be more precious to you and more appropriate than an original Picasso.
Music/Sound
A small bubbling fountain provides the spiritual energy of water, evoking the feelings of being near a mountain waterfall or a cool healing spring. Other sounds like the resonance of chimes and bells can be beautiful elements of your practice as you spend time in your healing space.
Music, of course, has been known for its spiritual and healing properties throughout history. There is so much wonderful music available now, for every mood and every taste. It is a great investment to find some special music that makes you feel good. Many music stores allow you to listen for free before making a purchase, and of course the Internet is a rich source of musical options. For a sense of peace and contentment, consider the classical compositions of Bach or Chopin. New-age recordings can enhance your space with a soft, calming presence. Or you may find tranquility in the recorded sound of the ocean's roar or the patter of raindrops.
At www.wisdomoftheworld.com, you can find some excellent music and inspirational messages on medicine, healing, and devotion. These include a CD called "The Heart of Healing" with inspirational messages from well-known holistic medical doctors and spiritual leaders, and another CD called "Graceful Passages," which can be beautifully inspiring for people of all faiths as they contemplate the end of life.
Beloved Objects
Your healing space may be a good place to display cherished items that have meaning and significance for you. Examples could include a small statue, a shell from the beach, flowers or plants, candles, or photographs. Choose things that represent people and places you love, symbols of healing, or anything that promotes your sense of well-being.
Rituals
Once your healing space is physically complete, you may want to explore some simple rituals to reinforce your intentions and remind you of the love and blessings in your life. For example, light a scented candle and make a wish. Practice aromatherapy by choosing a soothing essential oil in a diffuser, such as rose, lavender, or sandalwood, which can promote relaxation. If you prefer some energizing scents, orange or lemongrass will help invigorate you. You can also experiment with burning a variety of different kinds of incense or sage. Sip a cup of steaming herbal tea. Take deep, slow breaths: Inhale peace and tranquility; exhale worries and concerns.