Creating SACRED space-a collaboration with Sandoval.

A few sacred items on my altar along with some freshly burned Sandoval incense.

This month I am collaborating with one of my dearest friends, Michael of SANDOVAL.! It’s no surprise as creative dreamer-types, some 20 plus years ago, we became fast friends in the fashion business. I was lucky to be in the company of Michael who had a shared passion for style, aesthetics and design. Once again, we find ourselves on very similar paths, offering tools to support folks in their wellbeing and spiritual journeys. Michael is the creator of a beautiful incense and home scent line called Sandoval. His products have become an essential part of my practice. He puts so much love and care into these handmade products, carefully sourcing ingredients such as Australian sandalwood and Peruvian palo santo in Sacred Incense, free from chemicals, charcoal and resin. It truly is a joy to share how I integrate SANDOVAL and Michael’s gorgeous creations into my practice. PLUS, Michael shares his expert tips on creating sacred space and how to make the most of his products whether you are chilling, creating, studying or yoga-ing.

AMY’s PRACTICE and TIPS

Creating sacred space is one way to make your meditation practice everything you need it to be: inviting, cozy, uniquely your own.

There are many ways to mark your practice with simple and meaningful rituals that will call you to your practice, even on tough days. The burning of incense marks the beginning of my meditation practice. This is one ritual that immediately brings me to a sacred place both internally and externally. I’ve found starting with my physical space is key to a comfortable meditation.

Lighting the incense and watching as it begins to gently smolder is an invitation to drop into the present moment beginning with my senses.

The essence of palo santo and sandalwood ignite an immediate remembrance of a deeper part of myself, and I instinctively understand it is time to go inward.

The burning of my Sandoval incense creates ceremony around meditation, which makes it all the more enticing to sit each time.

The clearing scent of Sandoval’s Sacred burns and I experience a subtle softening internally. Where would I go when I can be here now?

I've since learned to add a small sprinkling of Clear, a gorgeous blend of pure meditation magic including French lavender and purple sage from the deserts of New Mexico. If you know me, you know how much I live for the energy of the desert (I may have been a lizard in another lifetime). 

Burning Sandoval incense helps me to feel as if I am burning up whatever is not serving me at the moment.

I find this ritual soothing and comforting which allows me to really settle in for meditation. The light smoke swirls and cleanses me and the sacred space that I am in.

THREE STEPS TO CREATE SACRED SPACE:

Creating your own sacred space for meditation is truly personal, but I recommend the following 3 STEPS as a good place to start:

  1. Claim your space! Design a comfortable and cozy corner just for you. Make it your own with a special cushion and blankets.

  2. Build a small altar: Include a few treasured items such as a candle, crystals, sacred treasures, photos or items that remind you of your loved ones or ancestors, and of course a vessel for burning your Sandoval incense.

  3. Keep a journal handy: This way you can record any thoughts, emotions or sensations that came up during your meditation immediately after you end your practice. This journal is such a gift to yourself! You can revisit it down the line and see how your practice has evolved over time.

A Few Sweet Reminders:

  • Implementing a few manageable rituals invites a sense of sacred time and place, but keep it simple!

  • Coming to meditation with consistency and curiosity will provide the grounds for a lasting and beneficial meditation practice. 

  • Always offer yourself the deepest love and compassion along the way. This is the reason we come to meditate, to sit with the so-called

    “good” and “bad” with equanimity and loving awareness.

Bonus Practice:

A Brief Meditation:

  • Light your Sacred + Clear incense

  • Get cozy in your sacred space

  • Take a deep breath in and a deep breath out. Do this 3 times!

  • Settle into your natural breath

  • With each in breath, consider what energy needs releasing. Observe whatever feelings or emotions arise with compassion and an open heart.

  • With each out breath

  • Sit for a few minutes longer allowing Sacred + Clear  incense to clear the way as your intention takes shape. Let it come from the place in you that already knows, a place of deep intuition, clarity and wisdom.

  • Once you hold your intention clearly, allow yourself to see/feel/sense it as if it is already done. 

  • Whenever you are ready you may open your eyes

  • Grab your journal and write down anything you observed during meditation.

EXPLore SANDOVAL:

Read Michael’s insights on setting sacred space on his BLOG. Check out the Sandoval Journal for even more tips to creating a sacred space, using the tools of natural incense, and hop on @studiosandoval for the latest, and join Sandoval’s mailing list for upcoming exclusive sales and special offerings. 

DON’T MISS! A Special Offer: Enjoy Sandoval’s SACRED + CLEAR Aromatic incense at 20% OFF with a special coupon code of ALJSACRED20



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An Exploration of Self Care and Radical Self Love.