Creating A Private Space

Find your space, and then enjoy your moments.

PHOTO BY ROBERTO NIXON

Create a Space to Call Your Place

Your special space is reserved for absorption, self-nurturing, thinking and meditating uninterrupted By Ella Patterson, Author of Pampering Pleasures

PHOTO BY ROBERTO NIXON

You've, no doubt, heard the phrase "Find a place to call your space.” It’s typically used when someone needs to "regroup”, "calm down”, or "unwind”. It is important that you find a quiet place in your home to rest your mind. A place you can retreat to relax your body, refresh your spirit, and renew your mind. Somewhere you can shed the cares and stresses of the world layer by layer. I know this may sound all "odd”, but isn't it time for you to indulge in the ideal of you, no matter how strange it sounds?

Women Seek Private Places and Spaces

Studies are showing that more women are seeking private places to relax. Guess what, one of the best ways to relax is to spend quiet time alone. Getting away from humans can be personally stimulating and rewarding. A woman can

easily find time to escape without losing compassion for her family. Her private time has rich possibilities for inner peace and personal development. Setting aside time to listen to yourself enhances your ability to see the world more clearly.

Where Should Your Place of Serenity Be?

Every woman should construct a place in her home where she can go to regroup, rethink, revitalize or simply reenergize. It should be the perfect spot to read, listen to music, or relax as long as she doesn't focus on stressful subjects.

First, find a place in your home that you can delegate as your special space. It should be private with enough space to think or meditate uninterrupted. Someplace comfortable where you can sit or lie and grab all the "down time” you need. Look around your home. Do you have a spare closet or quiet corner of a room, maybe in a bedroom or study? Some place where you won't be interrupted by a telephone ringing or computer announcing that you have a message? It may be your living room couch, a recliner in the den, your bed, a chair at your kitchen table (for those of us who get antsy if we’re too far from the coffee maker), or a comfortable chair at your computer desk. Truth be told, you probably already have a "spot” - you just haven’t looked at it in this way.

Your loved ones should understand that when you go to this special space, your desire is to spend some quiet time in solitude for a short time. This space should also encourage quality of life such as healthiness, wholesomeness, and self-absorption. When you have your place picked out, don’t EVER let any worries or negative thoughts intrude upon it. If you happen to be in your quiet place, and the burdens of the world overtake your mind, either quiet them or move to another spot. Just do not allow these thoughts into your quiet place. Don’t let them crash your relaxation party! God knows they’ll try. If you have a comfortable chair, position it with the back of the chair to the middle of the room so that you can look out a window. Spend some time getting the view just right. You may have to trim the branches of a tree or plant a beautiful window box. Be sure the view is soothing and not distracting.

Decorate Your Special Space

Decorate your special space with favorite things that make you feel comfortable. Place a small table next to the comfortable chair, one that is just big enough for a book, a cup, and a lamp. Don't be tempted to put too many things on the table. You don't want anything to distract you! You can bring your favorite drink to your place of comfort if you wish. It doesn't need to have any alcohol content, just as long as it is refreshing and satisfying to you. If you were really seeking peace of mind, you wouldn't think of settling in without a soft, fluffy throw over the back of the chair in case it gets chilly.

Getting Situated In Your Special Place

Anytime you find it necessary to slow down from a hectic day go to your special space. Here, you can read, think, rediscover, rejuvenate or simply be left alone. Close the door; turn off the TV, radio, and ringer on the telephone. Put on some soothing instrumental music and relax to your heart's content. And don't be surprised if you doze off! Close your eyes and relax for a few minutes. Try to think of all the good things that have happened in your life and bring those good thoughts to your mind. After a few minutes of meditation, open your eyes. You should begin to feel a sense of focus. Now, try to find answers to any questions you might have. Do not allow distractions to interfere as you work to get the answers you are seeking. If your concentration breaks and you can’t meditate, don't give up. Sometimes it takes a few tries. Your mind and body must get accustomed to you slowing them down at will. Now, try again. Relax, close your eyes, and meditate. You may quietly talk to God, recite affirmations, or simply think of nothing as you clear your mind. After a while, relax again, breathe slowly, and meditate with your eyes closed and mind seeking focus. If you are still finding it difficult to focus take a few deep breathes and exhale slowly. Now, relax your body and begin your goal of finding focus again. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how your mind, body, and soul understands what is going on in your life and how spending quiet time in your special place can bring you the needed focus and peace of mind.