The idea of a sacred space in or around my home used to crack me up. With two small children, the idea of anything quiet and peaceful seemed like a faint memory. I started my asana journey when my first child was a year old. While she toddled around, I’d roll out my mat. I have kept it up with my second – two kids crawling all over me as I move.
Soon, I sought out a meditation practice. This was more difficult than my asana practice. The asana was easy(ish) – they could be near me and noisy while I practiced, but with meditation, I needed quiet and didn’t know where to find it. Someone suggested I wake up earlier than the kids to squeeze in a few moments. A good idea in theory, but when you factor in getting up 4 to 6 times a night to nurse or soothe, getting out of bed one more time seemed certifiable. I thought setting up an altar might help, so I set one up, only to find it disheveled and unused again and again.
One day, my little ones and I were hiking in the woods by our home. We often walk out there with no particular destination, exploring the nature that surrounds us. I usually follow and observe as they play. On this particular day, I picked up a simple stone and rubbed it between my fingers. I sat down, the warm sun shining on my face, and closed my eyes. I could hear pine needles rustling and the voices my kids quietly playing near me as I sunk into meditation. After awhile, I felt my son’s hand on my shoulder and I opened my eyes, full of peace. They were ready to move on, so I slipped the rock into my pocket and followed them further into the forest. My sacred space is not what I had envisioned. It is not an altar with crystals, pictures, candles, and a cashmere blanket. My sacred space is a rock – a simple grey granite stone that is smooth between my fingers. After that day, I’ve used my rock often. I hold my sacred space in my hand and find my peace. I opened up and let go of expectations and I created sacred space where my creativity shines in.