BLOG 1: CREATING A SACRED SPACE & SPIRITUAL BALANCING

Today, I am inspired to share my thoughts as I prepare for the opening of my acupuncture clinic in just three days. This blog will serve as a platform not only to impart knowledge but also to foster a deeper connection with my patients. The insights I share are rooted in my extensive dedication to learning and practicing, making this blog an authentic extension of who I am. While many strive for elaborate, textbook-worthy posts, my inspiration often stems from everyday interactions and experiences—moments that resonate on a personal level. As my son would say “Mama, what are you yapping about?”  Moving forward.

As I approach this significant transition from a well-established career in science to becoming a healer, I am overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions: fear, anxiety, sadness, but also excitement, joy, and pride. Balancing my commitment to my family and dog while pursuing this dream weighs heavily on my mind. These feelings are valid, and they inspire me to pause and ground myself amidst the whirlwind of change.

In today’s fast-paced world, self-care often takes a backseat as we juggle work, family, and daily responsibilities. This neglect can lead to an inability to process our emotions, creating spiritual and energetic imbalances within us. Emotions are frequently linked to specific organs in the body according to Chinese Medicine, indicating that unaddressed feelings can manifest physically. So, it is likely that if you are suffering from an emotion that the organ can also be imbalanced and visa versa.  For example, if you feel sadness and grief, you’re more prone to respiratory issues and a lower immune system.

  • Wood ⇄ Liver, Gallbladder ⇄ Anger, Frustration, Irritability

  • Fire ⇄ Heart, Small Intestine ⇄ Joy, Excitement, Anxiety

  • Earth ⇄ Spleen, Stomach ⇄ Worry, Pensiveness

  • Metal ⇄ Lungs, Large Intestine ⇄ Sadness, Grief

  • Water ⇄ Kidneys, Bladder ⇄ Fear, Insecurity

One effective way I have learned to ground myself is by creating a sacred space.  Creating a sacred space will be a suggestion if you come for a spiritual consultation or mental health.  This blog will serve as a comprehensive guide for creating a sacred space, providing step-by-step instructions and insights.

What is a Sacred Space?

A sacred space is a designated area that is intentionally created or set aside for spiritual practices, reflection, and personal connection to one’s inner self or a higher source. It often includes meaningful objects, natural elements, and a calming atmosphere, serving as a sanctuary for mindfulness, meditation, healing, and intention-setting.

Purpose of a Sacred Space

Creating a sacred space offers numerous benefits, including enhanced mindfulness, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. It serves as a tranquil sanctuary that fosters creativity, improves focus, and supports healing. By providing a dedicated area for reflection and intention-setting, a sacred space encourages deeper connections to personal beliefs and nature. It can be used for rituals and ceremonies, allowing for cleansing and renewal while establishing a routine for meditation or prayer. Ultimately, a sacred space acts as a personal refuge, helping individuals recharge and reconnect with their inner selves amidst the chaos of daily life.

How to Create a Sacred Space

  • Location: Find a quiet area in your home where you feel comfortable and undisturbed.

  • Clear the Space Physically and Energetically:

      • Physically: Begin by cleaning the chosen area, removing dust, clutter, and anything that doesn't belong. A tidy environment promotes a sense of calm and increases energy levels.

      • Energetically: Use methods such as smudging with sage or palo santo, ringing bells, or playing calming music to clear stagnant energy. Set your intention and visualize the space being cleansed and purified.

  • Set the Ambiance: Incorporate items that resonate with your intention.  Oftentimes, things that stimulate our senses can increase vibration.  Consider engaging your senses:

      • Sight: Meaningful objects, photos, or artwork.

      • Sound: Music, nature sounds, or chimes.

      • Smell: Incense, essential oils, or candles.

      • Touch: Soft fabrics, crystals, or natural elements.

      • Taste: A special beverage [calming teas] or a snack.

  • Set Intention: This is a crucial aspect of healing, spirituality, and manifestation. Setting intentions provides clarity and focus, helping you understand what you want to achieve. It fosters motivation and commitment, shifting one's mindset from passive to active and empowers you to take charge of your life. Intentions reflect personal values, promoting authenticity and fulfillment, while enhancing the manifestation process by attracting opportunities aligned with one's goals. Additionally, setting intentions improves emotional well-being by providing a sense of purpose and direction, making it a transformative practice for personal growth and overall life satisfaction.

When you are ready to set your intentions, begin by closing your eyes and taking several deep breaths. Focus your thoughts on the feeling of inhaling oxygen through your nose, allowing it to travel down your trachea and fill your lungs, causing your chest and diaphragm to expand. Also feel the process of exhalation and carbon dioxide leaving your body as you exhale.  Consciously inhale positivity while exhaling and releasing any negativity or toxicity, both literally and figuratively. As your mind and body relax, take this opportunity to visualize what you wish to achieve in this space—be it peace, healing, creativity, or manifestation. Additionally, this is an ideal moment to recite positive affirmations, engage in prayer or chanting, or stimulate your senses in ways that resonate with your intentions.

Conclusion

As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I invite you to join me in exploring the transformative power of creating and using a sacred space. By embracing our emotions and cultivating environments that support our well-being, we can navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and clarity. Together, let us honor our journeys and the healing potential that lies within each of us.  What you put in will eventually be the result.  Setting strong intentions will always be a high recommendation.

As a special gift, the first 24 individuals who visit during the grand opening or receive treatment will receive a box with materials to help create their own sacred space. I look forward to this new chapter and the healing energy we can manifest together for ourselves and my future patients.