I remember, when I was in my young 20’s, I really started to explore the idea that we could approach our homes as temples and sanctuaries — in how we clean them, care for them, speak lovingly inside of them, appreciate them, adorn them, and spend time in them.
I first started applying this concept as a college student by creating altars in my room — to turn ordinary space into sacred space, filled with objects that carried intention and meaning. I would spend time at my altar, lighting candles and meditating, to help me stay centered and connected within.
I then started applying this concept to when I would clean my room or, eventually, my house — and I remember how different it felt to think of myself as cleansing the temple, rather than simply dusting the bookshelves and vacuuming the floor.
It has now evolved into a whole way of being for me, and I am so grateful for how it has shaped my life. I greet and give thanks for our home temple each and every morning, and I light incense and candles. We turned the dining room into a meditation room, and I visit it daily. We have filled the walls and surfaces with colors and words that resonate with our essences and what we want to help bring into the world. We love creating a space that fosters love, connection, mindfulness, and joy — one that helps us stay centered in what matters most to us.
We humans are surely not dependent on anything *outside* of us for such things, and I wholeheartedly believe we all have an *internal* sanctuary of infinite peace that we can learn how to retreat to in any moment. However, I have come to dearly treasure having external spaces that reflect what I value, places outside of me that help me stay connected to what I want to be cultivating within.
And this does not need to cost *a thing.* Some of my greatest altars have been created from earth treasures from the outdoors, words painted on recycled paper, and images printed from my computer. I’ve made many trips to garage sales and thrift stores to turn ordinary spaces into those that feel sacred.
When I was in Bali in November, my hubby and I got inspired to become stewards of some gorgeous Balinese statues. It’s now 4 months later, and several of them have just arrived! We are excitedly unwrapping them and welcoming them home. The Buddha is the first to land in his new spot, right at the gateway to the meditation pond. The others will soon be placed in their special places as well. It is such fun, and we are immensely grateful for the Balinese artists and everything that went into making it possible for them to be here!
May this temple and sanctuary we are creating be a haven where others too can connect to the light of their hearts, feel more love and peace, and open to a sense of the sacred (one that does not need to be connected to any religion whatsoever — or that could be connected to any religion!) that is available to us all.
In so many ways, life really does have the meaning that we GIVE it, so may we give it one that multiples love, amplifies peace, and expands what’s possible, for the greater good of all.
Sending so much love and abundant blessings as you approach your home and your entire life in whatever way nourishes, centers, and uplifts YOU the most! XO
Boundless Joy,
