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Does a peaceful environment invite joy, or do we cultivate it from within?
Perhaps inner and outer peace don’t have to be disconnected. Instead, we can tap into what’s inside of us and bring our outer world together to build a life that feels authentic, full of joy, and grounding.
There was a time when spirituality was defined by escaping our ordinary daily lives to the mountains or, more recently, to a beautiful retreat in Bali, cultivating sacred peace that we bring back into our lives. The moments of finding time away from our lives can be deeply enriching and beautiful. There is also another invitation available.
By welcoming the messiness of daily life—dirty dishes, navigating relationships, building careers, and sharing experiences with loved ones— we are offered opportunities to cultivate this same wisdom right here and now inside our own homes.
Connecting with childlike joy and authenticity can be the magical elixir for the peace we seek, while grounding in a vision for creating a place that feels like home. When we take the approach to living a life rooted in authenticity, then we discover gone are the days of buying unnecessary items to “keep up with the Joneses.” Instead, we’re discovering that joy was within us all along. Our homes can authentically reflect that joy and the reverence we hold for life.
Amid the distractions of modern life, cultivating groundedness begins with intentional rituals. One key element of feeling grounded at home is starting each day with an intentional morning ritual. By grabbing a warm drink and settling into meditations and visualizations, our presence can feel more complete as we begin the day. Instead of chasing everything around us, we begin to bring our presence into each moment throughout the day. If meditation starts to feel stale, adding passion and excitement to our practices can rekindle that sense of aliveness. Using body oil to lather on the skin and appreciate all our bodies do for us can feel grounding and remind us of our inherent beauty.
In the quiet of the morning, with a warm beverage and candle, we can build a sacred practice of stillness. When we go within, we touch a deeper wisdom that offers guidance for our lives—yes, even for how we can be in and decorate our homes. Meditation becomes more than observing thoughts; it becomes a channel to uncover our heart’s desires. When we tap into this inner wisdom, we begin to weave an inner and outer home that reflects both joy and connectedness.
Here are some steps to get started on bringing both inner and outer peace to feel at home:
1. Create a Sacred Space: Light a candle and arrange an altar with photos, meaningful items, or figures that evoke peace. Each morning, sit by this altar with calming music and release any thoughts that feel overwhelming. Then visualize your heart’s ideal day. Include the space of your home. What lights you up? Pay attention to cues of how you want to feel. Let go of old thoughts as you continue to focus on your heart’s desires.
2. Out with the Old: If objects in your home don’t light you up, thank them for their service and let them go. Donate items that no longer bring you joy, making space for what aligns with your current self.
3. Embrace Possibilities: Set an intention for how to feel at home. Stay open to how space evolves. Perhaps a fun vintage shop trip sparks delight in a unique item, or maybe you receive gifts from loved ones that perfectly fit the vision you’ve been calling in. When we’re open and willing, life often mirrors that openness back to us.
4. Cultivate Connection: Part of feeling at home involves nurturing relationships. Set a clear intention of the desired feeling within connections, and embrace the growth opportunities that deepen the joy sought.
5. Focus on Colors and Moods: Notice which colors and moods resonate with a sense of authenticity. What brings out childlike joy? If you’re out and about, take note about what vibes light you up. Remember, it’s not about creating a perfect home but about creating a space that feels like home to you.
As we move through the day, weaving moments of presence into our routines can also fuel a deeper sense of groundedness and beauty in our homes. Small details, such as how we do the dishes, restore the kitchen, or cook matter. Focusing on gratitude for the meal that filled the plates and the loved ones we share meals with can elevate these seemingly mundane experiences.
Slowing down to do something as simple as the dishes encourages us to take in moments, close chapters, and relish what was. This spaciousness invites new and enlightening ideas into our days. Yes, pleasure can even be found in doing the dishes and tending to the dishes becomes as significant as the meal itself. Balance the act of tidying with moments of rest is equally vital. This invitation—between cathartic cleaning and enjoying restorative pauses—can provide the medicine needed for a fulfilling day.
For an added layer of joy in our homes, consider the pieces in the home. A trip to the thrift store or investing in thoughtful items can infuse more excitement into preparing and enjoying meals. Not every piece needs to match; instead, selecting items that light us up is most important. Perhaps a magenta painting sparks joy, or a candle while doing the dishes brings peace in the middle of a busy day. Instead of retreating to find peace, we’re cultivating it right where we are. As we embrace this shift, the home within us finds groundedness even in a groundless world, and our physical spaces become sanctuaries of joy and authenticity.
Sometimes, calling in a life that feels most authentic can feel overwhelming. But by starting each day with sacred quiet time, we build a foundation of strength and clarity to guide us. Even fifteen minutes of stillness can anchor us throughout the day, reminding us that we have everything we need within.
Now, our homes can feel like sanctuaries. And the peace we have sought outside of us can be found within.
A life mirrored in peace, joy, pleasure, and groundedness is a life well lived.
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