5-Day Retreat Series

Day 2: Creating Space

Though it is crucial to travel and change your surroundings to retreat, it is also imperative that your home is a place of calm as well. I personally have created a space in my home designed just for this. I have benefited and become more thoughtful about my time inside, as I have practiced the habit of treating my home with reverence and love. Here are a few tips to create your retreat space at home.

Select a designated area.  

Communicate to others of the created retreat space in your home. You can also communicate through design choice. Keep your space simple with very little clutter. Have only a few pieces of furniture in this room. The singleness of objects conveys alone time.

Offer plenty of natural light + Engage your senses

For my retreat space, I need plenty of natural light. Natural light, as opposed to artificial lighting, helps me feel much calmer. When creating your space, offer a full sensory experience by engaging sight, sound, touch, and smell. Have a soft smelling candle lit to invite a cozy atmosphere. Have a soft blanket nearby and a waterfall sound machine. By engaging your senses, you will create an experience that offers serenity from the moment you walk in.

Make it your own

When I created my personal retreat in my home, my first step was finding my inspiration -- something special that made me feel connected. For me, it was artwork from my retreat travels--a small painting from Rome and a photograph of Paris. I began to surround my space with memories that were rich, light, and personable. When you create your space, start with something meaningful, add a calming wall color, layer some textured pillows and offer lighting that creates a warm and cozy environment. The key is to always surround yourself with the things you love.

How are you intentionally creating space in your environment to retreat?