Hello! Namaste!

How are you dear community?

As we are writing this post we are going into the holiday season which can be a busy, joyful, and also stressful time for many of us.

Self-care is so important. Yes, it has become a buzzword but it's importance cannot be underestimated in any way. Taking care of ourselves and having just a few opportunities a day to nurture our souls and tune into higher frequencies is crucial in our fast-paced society. 

Meditation, exercise, burning some incense, lighting some sage, going for a walk, listening to music, relaxing with your favorite television show-these are all important pieces of care that we should incorporate into our daily routines.

As a busy, working mom, I start my day off with meditation and I end with meditation. I eat a vegetarian diet and try to get 3-4 days of exercise in. I am a musician so I try to nurture my soul with my musical practice and take time to sing. Do I do enough self-care, nope! I sometimes work 14 hour days and have a family, but it is a work in progress and I love finding tools like this self-care planner to inspire me. 

Download the Planner Here and follow along with me for this 30 day challenge. Start any time you are ready. 

Don't underestimate its importance. Maybe you have neglected some self-care lately? If so, can I recommend a simple meditation routine a few times a day, getting a new favorite crystal and just sitting with it. Lighting some yummy incense or go outside and watch the sunset and just breathe. Read an inspiring book that helps you focus on higher thoughts. 

Download the Planner Here and take some time to fill it out. 

We are all in here in this game of life to support each other, we are a community, we build one and we learn and grow together. 

The practice of gratitude should also be mentioned. It creates a huge impact on our mental well-being when we reflect on what we are grateful for and process that. Journaling this out has proven to increase positive emotions. 

 

Lastly, I challenge all of you-and myself- to this 30 day challenge of self-care.

Try it out see what you think, Download the Planner Here

 

What do you do for self-care? Comment, post, share, join in on the conversation.

Take Care, Be Well, Let in the Light, Be Loved AND Love yourSELF.

Jai Ma!!

Heather Hathaway, M.Ed.

 

 

The Happiness Frequency: A tool for you! Relax and De-Stress

Happiness, we all want it. It is human nature to go towards everything that leads to happiness whether we do it consciously or not. How can we get this happiness, how can we grasp it and hold on to it are the age-old questions? 

Mindfulness practices, de-stressing activities, exercise, eating healthy, money, family, jobs life...this is what adds add to our happiness. Desires- what do we want, what can we get next? -these either add to our happiness or deplete it. 

But Finding that precious time to unwind, relax, and focus on breathing is essential in this fast paced world. When we carve out this time though, we notice the effects, we feel it, we need it. Perhaps... it can even give us happiness.

Tools for Happiness: 

One tool that really helps our mentally well being is meditation. Meditation techniques are very abundant. Meditation is very popular. There are many ways to approach meditation. However, not everyone has an easy time sitting in this stillness. Thankfully there are many other ways to reset ourselves and above all gain that true happiness we are so eagerly seeking. 

Happiness Frequency:

One way to find some time to de-stress and tune into your higher self is to just sit in your sacred space (or anywhere!) and listen to something that relaxes and inspires you.

Try this to uplift the mood, mind and spirit or maybe even get some sweet happiness: 

• Before you begin, we highly recommend smudging your space first and/or lighting incense. 

• Sit quietly on a comfortable cushion or lay down with eyes closed. Focus on the breath. 
• Play this Happiness Frequency video below.
• Breathe
• Relax
• Sink into it.
• Enjoy! 

"Happiness frequency music with binaural beats alpha waves. Alpha waves will help to release serotonin, dopamine and endorphin during your relaxation session. Binaural beats meditation music is a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief. Use this track with headphones and in a quiet environment."

Thank you! @Greenred Productions for this inspiring track. 

 

What are malas? 

As aids to the repetition of sacred sounds, malas help deepen meditation and support mindful and spiritual practices. A mala, also known as a japa mala, is a necklace strung with 108 beads, plus the guru bead, which is indicated with a tassel. A mantra, sacred sound or affirmation is repeated while rotating the mala through the fingers, one bead at a time. The number 108 is particularly auspicious and 108 repetitions of your sacred sound or affirmation will have peaceful and calming effects on your mind and body. 

Malas are mentioned in Hindu scriptures and artwork that predate Buddhism, but are traditionally used extensively as a method to connect with the Divine in both religions. The Catholic religion uses rosaries in a similar way. With the growing trend of Yoga in the West, malas have become a meditation tool as well as a fashion statement, as many are beautifully strung with Rudraksha, gemstones, and sandalwood beads. 

Our dear friend and teacher, Rev. Swami Bhajanandand Maharaj, head pujari at Kali Mandir in Laguna Beach, California, explained a beautiful way to think of malas and their benefits. To paraphrase Swamiji: You may wear your mala after doing japa. As you bring the mala over your head, imagine putting a protective ring of energy around you. The mala will be full of the positive vibrations that your mantra has given it, making it powerful to wear in remembrance of the Divine. 

There are so many styles of malas, with more people coming up with creative combinations of gemstones and traditional materials. Clear quartz has been used for centuries in India in malas intended for use with  a Shakti mantra. Rudraksha beads are usually associated with Shiva mantras and sandalwood is associated with Vishnu mantras. Of course, traditional practices haves changed with modern times. Malas of all types may now  be used by anyone, regardless of religion, class, or sect. 

 

What is japa?

Japa is the repetition of a sacred name, or a sacred phrase, which is- called a mantra. Japa is usually done in rounds of 108 repetitions at a time on the mala - hence the 108 beads on a mala. Traditionally, the mantra is given by a guru to the disciple and it is not shared with anyone else. This is a timeless tradition and one that is highly recommended. 

Instructions for using your mala:

To begin using your mala, sit comfortably on the floor in your meditation space.

Hold your mala with your right hand.

• Put the mala between your index and middle fingers, then let it hang. Try not to let it touch the ground. We recommend holding it near your heart level.
• Make sure the tassel is in between your fingers. You will start with the bead immediately following the tassel.
• Take your thumb and pull the bead towards you as you repeat a mantra or affirmation.

Here are some great mantras if you don't have your own:

Om Namah Shivaya

Om

Om Mane Padme Hum

• Keep pulling the beads towards you with your thumb, repeating your mantra on each bead. Once you reach the tassel, you have completed a round of 108 repetitions.
• When you finish one round, turn the mala around and begin the cycle again.

When you are finished, either wear your mala or place it in a special, clean place that is meant just for the mala.

Malas are purposeful, meaningful and sacred. Enjoy the positive vibrations that malas bring forth! 

What's so special about our Malas?

1: Our malas are fair trade!

2: We get our gemstones certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America: https://www.gia.edu/) - which we must say is something most cannot boast about.

3: Compared with malas from other sellers, ours are very affordable. Our beautiful malas are the same high quality as those sold at two or three times our price!

Ganesha: The Remover of Obstacles

Ganesha is the elephant-headed deity, son of Shiva and Parvati. He is known as the scribe for the Mahabharata, the biggest epic ever composed and worshipped extensively throughout India and all over the world. He is invoked first during ritualistic worship in Hinduism, known as puja, as his blessings are sought for auspiciousness to one and all. He is a deity of primary importance in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. 

Place him anywhere in your home, office or sacred space to invoke the Remover of Obstacles. However, it is known to bring even more benefits to have him near the door or where you enter or leave your home. The northeast is considered the best placement. 

Let the Lord of New Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles protect and provide you comfort in your home.

Mantra for Ganesha: 

"Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

Meaning: It means bowing down to Ganapati with all our existence and accepting all his great qualities in our self-being.

Benefit: It wards off all the negativities from one’s life before beginning any work. Chanting of this mantra ensures success in all the new ventures that one wishes to undertake." 

Ganesha has many distinguishing features. He is pot bellied, one tusk is broken, and he is usually holding his favorite sweet, laddus. The preferred color of flower for offering him is red. You can easily worship him by offering him a red flower and any sweets. Light a new stick of incense and wave it in a clockwise direction 3 or more times. Imagine he is eating the sweets you have offered while you wait. Making this intentional practice will help allow you to connect with the Divine and invoke his blessing. After all, he is the remover of obstacles and allows an ally on your side. 

 

Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The story of his creation begins with Parvati, the Divine Mother. She wanted a child and so she made one from the earth. However, the legend goes that Shiva came home to this stranger in his house thinking he was an enemy and cut his head off after a fierce battle with Shiva’s servants. Parvati was in utter disbelief so to appease her, Lord Shiva went out to find a new head for the boy. The first animal they came across was an elephant and so he removed his head and brought it back to the boy, hence the creation of Ganesha. 

Loved by all, he is the approachable god that helps us in our daily lives as well as our spiritual paths. Try chanting his name and invoking his blessings daily...Om Gam Ganapataye Namah. 

 

How to Clean Your Crystals

Crystals are known for absorbing vibrations and holding the intentions that you set in them. They are generally known to soak up or add to the vibrations where they are placed. This means they can absorb both good and bad energy and will need to be cleansed occasionally to reset or recharge them. 

When should you cleanse them?

When you move your crystals from one room to another or hold them frequently, or if they have been in an emotionally charged environment, they should be cleansed. Also clean them when you intuitively feel like it is time and you have noticed a stagnant feeling around them. 

Why is this important? 

We believe crystals can help create a positive and calming environment. The more you interact with them and put your intentions and good vibes, bad vibes, whatever vibes in them, they will amplify your intentions. Similar to using malas during japa meditation, the more you interact with crystals, care for them, and clean them, the more you will get out of them. 

Methods for cleaning crystals 

There are several methods for cleaning, and all are considered equally effective.

Full Moon Cleansing: Moonlight is known for cleansing crystals. We recommend setting your crystals outside or on a windowsill during a full moon. This is said to totally clear and recharge them. The special healing power of a full moon offers a cleansing touch to crystals. 

Smudge them with sage: Light your sage and let the smoke waft over them. It is a good practice to pick the crystal up and get all sides of it, underneath and all around. Do this for as long as it feels comfortable. 

New to smudging or using sage? Use a flame to light your sage bundle, let it catch aflame briefly, then blow it out. You can start the smudging process once the sage starts smoking. Gently wave the smudge stick around your crystals and say a prayer, mantra or affirmation. Ask any negative energy to leave the environment, and invite any good energy to stay, making sure you connect your breathing and move clockwise through the area. You must smudge every corner of the area where the crystals are placed to fully cleanse your space.

While you are smudging it is best to use a smudging bowl, abalone shell, or incense holder to place the stick in. You may need to relight the bundle several times, as the sage can go out. Enjoy your newly smudged crystals and space. 

Selenite charging or cleansing. Selenite is known as a cleansing or charging stone. It does not need to be cleansed itself; its purpose is primarily to cleanse other stones. It is the go-to stone for removing negative energy - even from us. To clear your crystals using selenite, it is best to set your crystals on a selenite slab, if you have one. You may also lean crystals against a selenite tower or other object for a minimum of 6 hours.

Microfiber cloth or damp cloth. We do not recommend using water on all crystals, but crystals will get dusty just like anything else in our homes or spaces and will need to be kept clean - especially if they are not held often or moved from their location. In this case, I like to use a microfiber cloth to dust them off. You can follow up with a damp paper towel. Water is not recommended for cleaning crystals as it is known to damage some of the crystalline structure of some types of salt-based crystals - especially selenite. Never use water to clean selenite. 

Singing Bowl: Sacred sound vibrations that come from singing bowls are very healing, and are a popular for cleansing crystals. If you have a singing bowl, place it in your palm and move around your crystals as you play it. As the drone sounds, waft it around your crystals, imagining that the sound waves are rolling over your crystals and clearing them of any negative effects. 

After Cleansing

After using one of the cleansing techniques listed above we recommend burning incense. You have cleared out the negative or stagnant energy, but you need to bring in peaceful and positive energy. This can be done with pure-crafted incense. As you burn the incense, reaffirm your intentions. You can now continue creating your positive and sacred space with the aid of beautifully cleansed crystals. 

India is currently facing its most devastating moments to date with a brutal second wave of Covid. Many have asked how to help India during this crisis the whole country is currently facing. We have compiled a list of legitimate sites to donate to. If you have the means to give anything big or small, it will help. 

The country is being ravaged with the harshest wave of Covid yet. Families cannot get oxygen for loved ones and empty hospital beds simply don't exist. The lack of vaccines and proper treatment is devastating. Families are hopeless, when they take a loved one in urgent need of treatment to the hospital, they are turned away. There is no room. 

We have so many close friends in this beautiful country and this country is the whole reason our store exists and we do what we do. They have given so much to our country in ways of spiritual food that it cannot even be measured. 

We have many artisan craftsman in India who provide us with our beautiful products such as murtis, crystals, incense, meditation supplies and all of our Fair Trade clothing and shawls. We have been checking in with most of them weekly and some daily. We are grateful to report everyone is doing ok but still low in spirits and in definite need of help. Most of their production processes are halted and they depend on our business to support their families and communities. It has been very, very difficult for them. 

If you have the means and can give even a few dollars during this crisis, it will go a long way. We have complied a list of charities and organizations who are actively helping in the crisis so that you can have a variety of options for donating. Please select one at your earliest convenience and give in any way that you can. 

Our Personal Recommendations:

Oxygen for India - Let's do this together! 

I have personally reached out to the doctor in charge of this. Here are a few personal notes from him:

This is a gofundme campaign specifically to get more oxygen to India:

https://gofund.me/4d4f9520

Belur Math: One that we regularly donate to personally and on behalf of The Deva Shop is the Ramakrishna Math and Mission at Belur Math. The link we will provide does not specifically say covid relief but there is a general fund to donate to and rest assured it will be used without a doubt for relief work going on. You can send them an email as well that you want your donation to specifically go to Covid. They are one of the most trusted organizations in India and conduct tons of relief work day after day for over 100 years. Founded by Swami Vivekananda himself:

https://donations.belurmath.org/product/donations-ramakrishna-mission-belur-math-donors-outside-india-usd?currency=USD

They also recently added a plea for Covid relief. We have attached the picture below. You can donate to this via bank transfer. They are setting up a covid relief camp and need support.

We personally use https://wise.com/us to transfer money.

Invisible Girl Project: We donate to them on behalf of The Deva Shop and have followed their great work. They are based in the USA and have been helping unwanted girls in India find foster homes. They are currently doing relief work for Covid to help feed these girls and their families:

https://invisiblegirlproject.givecloud.co/urgent-covid-response

 

 

Global India Fund based in Virginia:

Global India Fund (GIF) was founded in 2007 to give people around the world an opportunity to make a difference in India. The idea to develop the Global India Fund evolved in March 2007, as GIF founder Dr. Amita Vyas joined Ashley Judd, Kate Roberts, and YouthAIDS to India. YouthAIDS, an education and prevention initiative of PSI, undertook this Journey of Hope to visit its HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Mumbai, and to film a documentary about the calamitous health situation in India in collaboration with the National Geographic Channel.

https://globalindiafund.org/

 

Recommendations from the New York Times:

Groups in India

• The Indian Red Cross Society has staff and volunteers running blood drives, delivering aid and medical supplies, along with providing other essential services across the country.

• Youth Feed India and Helping Hands Charitable Trust are delivering ration kits to vulnerable residents of Mumbai. Each kit includes staples like rice and dal, and feeds a family of four for 15 days. Donate here in a variety of ways, including through Google Pay.

• Ketto, a fund-raising platform in Mumbai, a hot spot of the country’s latest Covid outbreak, is shepherding a campaign by hundreds of entrepreneurs to purchase 3,000 oxygen concentrators. (The organizers are tweeting live updates.)

• FromU2Them, a Mumbai nonprofit, is raising money on Ketto from individuals and Indian businesses to pay for food and medical supplies in the sprawling financial hub.

 

Earth Day is every day at The Deva Shop!

It is one of our 3 Pillars for our company that we support and further our efforts for Eco-Friendly and Earth Honoring practices. We’ve researched so many companies, including the items we buy for our own home and note the huge amount of wastes and plastics that come with everything that arrives at our door. From Day 1 at The Deva Shop we decided that is not how we would run our business. We’ve researched and researched and strive daily to give back to Mother Earth and we know that you will love what we are doing too! 

We offer only eco-friendly shipping with no plastics used for 100% of our shipping!

We have over 95% of our packaging for all products Plastic Free! 

We go out of our way to pack and ship like this. It is more time consuming, it is more costly, but we do not pass along that cost to our customers. We could easily throw in some bubble wrap and call it a day..but we don’t, we just can’t. 

Our actions shape our store and our store is a representation of our values...we so value this beautiful Earth and will honor her however we can! 

If you’ve ordered anything from The Deva Shop recently, you’ve already seen this initiative in action...

Here are our current practices:

• We use 0% plastics for shipping materials.
• We use 100% compostable mailers for items that fit in mailers.
• For larger items, our boxes are made of recycled materials.
• We use a natural alternative to bubble wrap called Green Wrap made of compostable paper. It offers similar cushioning and padded protection as bubble wrap but is naturally biodegradable, compostable, SFI-certified, and fully recyclable. 

We love Greenwrap because it cushions all your Deva Shop orders during transit without using any plastic whatsoever. It’s also biodegradable, compostable and recyclable.

Greenwrap is even Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified. This certification ensures that any trees which were used to create Greenwrap is grown and harvested in ecological and ethical ways.

• We source our products so that they do not come already packaged in plastic containers with the exception of a few items such as a few prepackaged incense and our body butter. 
• We use recyclable paper packaging tape that has soy based ink. 
• Our business cards and other promotional materials are printed on recyclable paper.
• Our adorable branded bags that we pack many items in are made of 100% cotton and stamped with soy-based ink.

Here are our goals for the next few years:

• Carbon-offset shipping

“Increased carbon dioxide (and equivalent)—CO2e—levels are a significant and harmful contributor to climate change. From online deliveries, the logistics involved generate a huge amount of CO2—over 10% of global CO2e emissions are from transport and logistics.

Being carbon neutral means that your net release of CO2e into the atmosphere is zero.

Basically, whatever CO2e you emit is canceled out by a process known as 'offsetting'—that is, supporting projects that reduce emissions, like regenerating precious forest, replacing old equipment with more efficient technology, or even training communities in beekeeping!” 

• Completely source 100% plastic free containers

 

More Information about our Shipping Materials: 

Our shipping materials are especially designed to create what’s called a “closed-loop system.”

That means the “end-life” of this shipping material will either biodegrade and return back to the earth, or you can recycle it to create new paper for the future.

Either way, it doesn’t end up in a landfill somewhere. (Although, if it did, it would eventually biodegrade anyway.) 

The beauty of using recycled materials to create these materials is they use far less energy and natural resources to create them.

Land and water resources are precious. These efforts are just one small thing we can do to help preserve the Earth’s resources long-term.

Finally, we only use recyclable paper. So feel free to recycle any Deva Shop packaging, mailers, postcards or brochures once you’re finished reading them.  

Above all, we’re excited to use materials that promote the long-term sustainability of our magnificent trees, water and other precious resources around the world.

We’ll have more Earth-friendly updates like this coming soon. In the meantime, what do you think of everything we’re doing to live in harmony with the planet?

What is Palo Santo and its benefits?

 

Palo Santo is a tree native to South America and produces a very specific, fragrant resin when burnt. Palo Santo can come as sticks, chips or powder which you can burn, or as resin or oil that is extracted from the wood. Generations of indigenous people have burnt Palo Santo for its spiritual benefits and medicinal advantages. Palo Santo has been over-harvested in recent years so ensure you are buying ethically sourced palo santo only collected from fallen tree branches. 
 
 
One of the most popular ways to use Palo Santo is by smudging. Smudging is the act of burning herbal material, often for practical or ceremonial reasons, and has been used by different cultures around the world. It is especially popular for meditation and can be used at the beginning of your mediation practice to help calm the mind and prep the environment for concentration. 

Combating negative energy by smudging can be very effective, and can help free you from stagnant energy and its effects on your mental and physical health. It has been said to clear any negative energy, as well as treating pain and stress. It also comprises of limonene, which is a natural substance that repels mosquitos, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and combats anxiety when inhaled.  
Whether you want to reduce pain or cleanse your spiritual environment, Palo Santo is extremely helpful in improving the energy surrounding you. 
You can smudge with Palo Santo anywhere and should be done thoroughly multiple times a year to best cleanse your environment. You can rid negative energy that have occurred from an argument, or if you’ve had guests that have affected the energy in your space, or when you move into a new environment.
 
How To Smudge with Palo Santo or Sage:
 
Smudging will take approximately 10-15 minutes for each session, and this must be an undisturbed process. 
 
Light your smudge sticks, chips, or powder from a candle and let it burn for a minute so you can ensure the flame catches. Once the wood starts smoking you’ll be able to start the smudging process. Gently start waving the stick around and say your prayer, mantra or affirmation. Ask any negative energy to leave the environment, and invite any good energy to stay, making sure you connect your breathing and move clockwise through the area. You must smudge every corner of the area to fully cleanse your space.
While you are smudging it is best to use a smudging bowl, abalone shell or incense holder. to place the stick in. You may need to relight several times as this wood is not meant to burn long at each sitting.  

Once you are back where you started, extinguish the smudge stick, but let the ember die out naturally within a fireproof container. Make sure you keep any ashes from the Palo Santo, so you can spread them outside the area that you have just smudged in. If you have not burned the entire stick, don’t throw it out, as it can be reused later on.
 
Palo Santo is very beneficial, and you will feel the negative energy leave your spiritual environment as soon as you begin the process. If you smudge with Palo Santo regularly then you can invite peace and intention into your life, healing you and your space.
 
 
* Always use caution when lighting objects and never leave burning objects unattended.
 
 
Resources:
What Is Palo Santo, and How Is It Used Medicinally? (https://www.healthline.com/health/palo-santo-benefits)
Smudging (https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Smudging)
How To Get Rid of Negative Energy With Palo Santo (https://www.thewanderingowl.com/single-post/2017/07/07/how-to-get-rid-of-negative-energy-with-palo-santo)
The Mystical Palo Santo and How to Use It (https://astralcollective.com/blogs/news/the-mystical-palo-santo-and-how-to-use-it)
Experts Reveal When To Smudge Sage Versus Palo Santo (https://www.lonny.com/See+It+Now/articles/9xBLBIGGRsS/Experts+Reveal+Smudge+Sage+Versus+Palo+Santo)

Creating a sacred space or meditation room in your home

First, Why. Why should we create a space in our home for meditation or mindfulness practices? Carving out time to calm the mind is super important in the busy, fast-paced world we live in. Many of us bustle around from morning to evening, taking care of families, work, and other responsibilities; trying to exercise; and exploring our passions and hobbies. The modern world takes a toll on the body and mind - and the mind requires food, just like the body. We have to feed it positivity, strength, and time to calm before and after the battle of the day. Carving out a sacred space is key for the efficacy of mindfulness practices. 

“A rough estimation of people who meditate globally ranges between 200 and 500 million people” (Mindworks.org). If you are new to meditation, study from experts and trusted teachers. Vet your sources and learn only from credible sources with real experience and sound character. There are many informative series online. Read books, gather your info, and jump in if you haven’t already. Creating your sacred space will solidify your practice and provide a peaceful haven in your home. 

Meditation is an essential and absolutely necessary part of my daily life as a busy, busy working mom. I have meditated daily for nearly 20 years. Any time is the right time to get started with a meditation practice if you haven't already. No matter your age, religion, your time constraints, etc. - remember that it is nourishment for the mind.

 

Getting Started with Creating your Space: 

Start by defining your intentions and use of the space, then think about where this space will be in your home. 

Define your Intentions

Ask yourself:

•  What is your purpose or intention for this space? Is it to solely meditate or have some quiet contemplation time, do you want enough room to do yoga?
• Is privacy really important or are you okay with a more visible space?
• Do you need an inspiring sanctuary - some place that is your special place, just for you?
• Do you have an entire room that you can use as a sacred space and dedicate to your meditation and spiritual practices? 

Select the spot in your home

Where is the best place in the home for your meditation or mindfulness practice?

•  According to ancient Hindu texts and Vastu principles, a corner facing northeast is best. You will want to sit facing East for best results. 
• The size of the space is up to you. 
• Try to find a spot where you can have natural light.
• We recommend dedicating one area in your home as your sacred space, so that when you revisit that space your mind will more easily get into the flow of meditation. 
• Many people do not have the luxury of a dedicated meditation room in their home, so make the best use of what is available and carve out a corner. I have meditated in four or five different closets, and under several staircases - my husband has outfitted several “cave” shrines for me under stairwells over the years. 
• Add a screen for more privacy. You can build your own DIY screen; I have done this, and I find that the extra privacy helps concentration. 
• Any place that you can find to meditate is your sacred space. Just get started. 

I have recently graduated to my very own “She Shed” (pictured above and below) for meditation and spiritual practices. We bought a pre-fad Tuff Shed from HomeDepot and had it completely finished in our backyard. It's a dream come true to have my own personal meditation room built just for that purpose. Thanks to my husband and all of his skills - he insulated it, added drywall, paint, flooring, trim, custom doors and windows, AC, electrical...the works! If you have a backyard or garden area where you can fit a shed, I highly recommend this.

Decide what to include in your sacred space

The sky's the limit. What inspires you, what resonates with you, is what should be in your meditation room. 

• Use bookshelves or bookcases and/or small decorative tables to hold pictures and/or statues, incense, candles and smudging supplies. Ikea has many low bookcases you can use as your shrine or altar.
• What works for you and what your beliefs are is what your space should be represented by. Pictures of saints or incarnations are especially helpful. Murtis (statues of deities), Shiva lingas, and Buddhas are sublime. 
• In both Hinduism and Buddhism, Ganesha  - the remover of obstacles - is considered one of the most auspicious deities. For this reason, I recommend keeping a Ganesha statue in your meditation room. 
• Adding crystals is beneficial. Maybe you need some grounding - so add some obsidian, howlite, or clear quartz. Bring in the love vibes with rose quartz or tourmaline to help keep your sacred  space free from negativity. 
• The scent of burning  incense, sage, and smudging supplies signal the body that meditation practice is beginning. Keep these supplies handy so that you may start your practice by burning incense or smudging. 
• Candles are important - naturally scented with essential oils, or unscented - if you are careful. Even LED flickering candles are nice. 

• Fabrics, textures, lots of floor pillows and rugs add to the special vibe of your sacred space. Get creative; look at Pinterest for some inspiration. Make your space cozy!

 

Choosing a Meditation Seat:

It is best to sit on a firm cushion that allows you to sit comfortably, with a straight spine. 

• Try out different cushions - you could try a zafu, a cork meditation cushion, kapok filled cushions, or even just a pillow.
• It is perfectly acceptable to use a chair if sitting on a cushion is uncomfortable for you due to a physical issue. 

You might want to put your meditation cushion on top of a blanket so that you are touching all-natural fabric that is meant just for your meditation space. 

• What type of blanket? Wool is very grounding and traditionally used to meditate on. If you cannot find a wool blanket, consider using other natural fabrics.
• Grab a shawl that you use only for meditation and keep in your sacred space. If you wear it every time that you meditate, it will collect the vibrations of your meditation and help you to get focused more quickly. Make sure that your shawl is made out of all-natural fabric - that is always the best for spiritual practices. 

What else goes in your sacred space?

 Your sacred space is a physical representation of your spiritual journey.

It is very helpful to keep handy supplies such as incense, smudge sticks, candles, flowers, and malas. Also include your favorite spiritual or meditation book. You will also want a lighter or matches for incense, smudging, and candles. Maybe you need a spotlight for your altar.

Obstacles to your sacred space

Do you have children at home?

If you are a mom or dad with young ones it is very hard to get this practice in. But I assure you, it can be done - even if only for a few minutes a day.

Things you can do to make them a part of the experience:

• Get your child their own seat and even their own little piece of the shrine to have as their own to decorate.
• Explain the importance of posture and sitting straight. Introduce a tiny bit of stillness. This  will last anywhere from 20 seconds to 3 minutes - ha ha. 

Do you need more privacy?

Make your sacred space as private as possible, even if it is in a corner of the room. If you can protect it it with a privacy screen, that’s even better. You can find instructions for inexpensive DIY screens on YouTube. You can also use a curtain to separate the room if you need more privacy. I have strung curtains across my bedroom to create separate sleeping and meditation rooms. . 

Is your environment noisy?

• Try using a closet so you can close the door. 
• Try adjusting the time of day so that you can meditate when your environment is quieter. 
• If you have a separate meditation room, you can also add more padding and blankets to muffle any sounds that are super loud.
• If traffic sounds or outdoor noise is too loud, and it is not too hot, close the windows. 
• Think about the kinds of noises you hear in your home, and where they occur. Consider which area in your house is quietest, and try to create your sacred space there. 

What if the vibe isn’t right? 

• Try changing your direction. 
• Try using a different seat.
• If you are visual, have beautiful pictures of saints, incarnations, sacred symbols, sacred geometry such as yantras or mandalas, deities, etc.
• If you are auditory, try chanting in that space, or play some Om sounds to get the vibes rolling in. 
• The more you revisit this sacred space, the easier it will be to feel the calming effects. 
• If you are musical, try chanting or singing devotional music.
• Vases with fresh flowers are highly recommended. If you have the ability to grow your own, have a few potted plants with flowers that are good bloomers such as roses or geraniums.  If you have ground space go for hibiscus and roses as they are prolific bloomers. We can even have flowers year round in California outdoors. I must say it is magical and we are spoiled. 
• Smudging and crystals: sage, sage, sage away the bad vibes. Sage every corner of the room up and down where your sacred space will be.. Sage up and down around your body. Sage all of your articles of mediation and then light incense afterwards. Add several crystals that have been cleared and place them in a prominent place. 

Lastly, this sacred space you will create helps concretize our meditation practice, inspire us to continue to practice, and provide a haven from the busy modern world we live in. 

 

Explore, have fun, and make this special. No matter how big or small your sacred space is, it’s important to just get started!

Enjoy your journey! Share your comments or pictures with us as we love to see different meditation rooms and sacred spaces.

Heather Hathaway, M.Ed.

The Deva Shop

www.thedevashop.com

Resources:

Vedanta: What is Vedanta?  Learn practical tips for every day spiritual life. 

Zen Buddhim: Here is a great guide to starting a zen meditation practice at home from the Zen Center of Los Angeles

Chopra Center: Tons and tons of resources on meditation. 

Kali Mandir: Traditional Hindu Temple in Laguna Beach, CA dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother Kali. You can read their blogs and aids for creating a scared space as well as book one of their priests to come to your home if you are in the area to do a puja in the home. 

Hollywood Vedanta Society of Southern California: They have some amazing lectures on not only Vedanta, but meditation help in general, highly recommend. 

Swami Sarvapriyananda is a deeply philosophical and an amazing teacher of religion and spirtuality. He is lovingly referred to as the Youtube Swami because his lectures are so popular. Here are just a few below that are popular: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6J9qEYeZbs 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlHM6EhjXKo