Sacred Space and Sacred Time: Cultivating Inner Work
- patrikharbusch
- 28. Okt. 2024
- 4 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 2. Dez. 2024
"Sacred space is an absolute necessity for anybody today. You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don’t know what was in the newspapers that morning, you don’t know who your friends are, you don’t know what you owe anybody, you don’t know what anybody owes to you. This is a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be. This is the place of creative incubation. At first, you may find that nothing happens there. But if you have a sacred place and use it, something eventually will happen."
Joseph Campbell
This insight from the renowned mythologist and writer Joseph Campbell has deeply influenced how I approach my own meditation and inquiry practice. Creating these little islands of sacred space and time has helped me to stay grounded and connect to something larger in the busyness of modern life.
The Role of Sacred Space in Everyday Life
Living in a fast-paced, distraction-filled world can easily pull us away from ourselves. Sacred space and time allow us to pause and reconnect with what really matters. When I carve out these moments in my day, I find that they are essential in helping me to step out of the constant noise of daily responsibilities and into a space of stillness and clarity, which is essential in how I approach life and the people around me.
At home, I have the luxury of a dedicated room where I can sit undisturbed during the early morning hours. This space is intentionally set up to remind me of my practice - a meditation cushion and blanket, a few inspirational books, certain spiritual objects and a notebook for reflection. Research on habit formation has shown the positive impact of creating an environment that cues desired behaviors and minimizes distractions. Having a dedicated, intentional space for practice not only reinforces the habit of showing up consistently but also helps anchor the mind in the present moment. When I enter this room, I know it's a space free of distractions and obligations, dedicated solely to my practice.
But this isn't always easy to maintain, especially since becoming a father. As any parent knows, finding uninterrupted time can be a big challenge. But my partner and I give support to each other so that we can each have the space and time for our practice. It's not always perfect, but I've learned that even small moments can be powerful.
Sacred Time: A Daily Anchor
Sacred time isn't just about finding a slot in your schedule; it's about showing up with intention. The quality of the presence you bring to this time is more important than the quantity. Even if it's just 10 minutes, dedicating yourself to these moments can have a powerful impact.
Find out what time works best for you. Whether you are a morning or evening person can influence this decision, as can your life commitments such as family, work or other activities. Choose the time that works best for you and is as undisturbed as possible.
When I reflect on my own practice, I realize how much these small pockets of sacred time ground me. Whether it's sitting in silence before the day begins or journaling for clarity, these moments create a sense of stability and connection in the midst of life's busyness.
The Challenge of Sacred Space and Time While Traveling
When you are travelling, as we are at the moment, setting aside moments for inner work becomes a different kind of challenge. Without my daily routine at home, it takes creativity to find new ways to practice. Often it's waking up earlier than my family and using another room, or simply sitting up in bed to meditate. Other times I find an outdoor spot where I can connect with nature and do the practice. The key is flexibility. Even if I don't have a dedicated room, bringing the right intention to any moment or environment can have a similar effect, even if the physical setting changes.
Tips for Creating Sacred Space and Time
If you're serious about cultivating your inner work, creating sacred space and time is essential. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Dedicate a space: Whether it's a whole room, a small corner in your bedroom or a spot outside, designate a place just for your practice.
Build cues for your practice: Surround yourself with objects that remind you of your intention - a meditation cushion, a notebook, or even a small object that inspires you.
Set a regular time: While the morning is often ideal as it can set the tone for the day, choose a time that fits your life circumstances. Consistency is more important than the specific time of day.
Adapt to changing circumstances: Life is unpredictable and your sacred space and time doesn't have to be static. When travelling or during life transitions, experiment with what works. The important thing is to maintain the intention to create this little retreat, even if it looks different every day.
Why Sacred Space and Time Matter
Establishing your own sanctuary for inner work is not just about building a habit - it is about cultivating a relationship with yourself. It's an invitation to step out of the demands of everyday life and into a deeper sense of being.
As Joseph Campbell reminds us, at first, nothing may seem to happen in this space. But with consistency and intention, something always will. Over time, these small islands of sacred space and time can become the foundation of a more grounded, intentional, and fulfilling life.
