PRAYER / MEDITATION ROOM

Why your own personal prayer/meditation room…

So often we think that a “spiritual” or “holy” place is reserved only for those public structures that we visit most typically on Sunday’s. In many cases, such a designated structure also comes with a lot of organized dogma and firmly held belief systems, does it not? As such, most people associate “sacred space” with a church, mosque, cathedral or perhaps even a temple, so a prayer room in one’s own home may come across to some as a bit odd.

            I think as we evolve spiritually, however, at some point our own relationship with the Divine becomes much more important than the outer appearances of some public image or the influence of others, regardless of which community or Religion we happen to gravitate toward. For many, they are perfectly happy with a certain level of indoctrination, structure and comfort which all come from a faith that was given to them; and this of course can be very fulfilling and rewarding.  

            For those that really yearn for direct experience, however, there is nothing like creating and establishing a space in your own house, that is strictly reserved for meditation and prayer; a space that you, yourself mold and consecrate with your intentions and your own energies and those “things” (statutes, pictures, plants, alter, etc) that are most inspiring to you; a space where you can place yourself openly before God. Perhaps such an environment affords one the opportunity to discover and remove those inner barriers that stand between themselves and God? With such conviction and desire, it isn’t hard to imagine that such a self-created space offers a different level of intimacy that few other places can match (for you anyway – being that you created it first and foremost for yourself). 

            Personally, I also have been one who has needed to learn and grow through my own discoveries rather than through some outside authority, particularly one that is too rigid and structured. As with most things in life, the extent to which we invest ourselves whole heartedly is the extent to which we reap rewards. Creating one’s own sacred space is no different.  The idea is that this space of your own creation, will serve as a sanctuary for you from all the pressures of the world; a place of gratitude and inspiration where you are totally surrounded by love, acceptance, and compassion; a place available anytime, day or night, for strength and upliftment or perhaps even, service. I was taught that all problems should be left at the door such that one may make contact with those higher forces within where nothing is lacking! Obviously, to touch upon such a space within, there would be no conflict and no suffering. All of this, does inner quitetude offer. This is quite an enticement, is it not?

When it comes to creating a sacred space of your own, I have been most inspired by the example of our “Red” Native American brothers and sisters. Behind their initiative is the intention to literally establish a connection with Mother Earth and “All that Is”, such that simultaneously, the whole Universe is not only represented but present. To further elaborate, the idea is that an Omni-potent and Omniscient Being/Force is invoked and present and this is what’s behind the practice of “calling” on the Four Directions. Each direction brings with it various characteristics, gifts and energies that offer one a certain protection and grace.

Finally, apart from our own love, energy and creativity that we put into a space, is the residual vibration remaining in the space after we have left. I’ve been in contact with people who seem to be sensitive enough to tangibly grasp and assimilate such information. I mention this because the efficacy of a holy place is reflective of the quality and energy of what has been put into it and what it has held.

My teacher, once commented that upon entering various houses of worship in this country, all he could pick-up on and feel was the immense sorrow and misery of its members. This was hardly what he expected to feel in a space designated and reported to hold Divine energies. Similarly, I’ve been in different places of worship filled with elated singing and dancing. Only for me, much seemed staged with a false cover masquerading fear, sorrow and insecurity. Much of the beauty in a personal, sacred, space is that there is no pretense, and one’s intent above all else is to be “real” and keenly alert, for in such a space, growth and discoveries are made.