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Creating a Home of Balance

Our need for a haven is as old as humankind itself.  We have sought sanctuary in groups, public settings and especially in the privacy of our homes.  More than ever before, since 9-11 we are more closely identifying our homes as a sanctuary or haven where we can withdraw from the stress and fears of our world.

3 Tips for Making Your Home a Haven

1. A Family Haven.  Designated family space can be in a public area of your home.  There may be a shelf or a table that is claimed as an area of communal family space.  You may choose to have family pictures, an inspirational book or other scriptures, and other memorabilia that reflects the shared lives of your family.  This space becomes a place where the family visits to commemorate the memories of their lives.  Mementos of grandparents gone, children’s basketball games, family travels or holidays.  This haven reinforces the power, value and continuity of the family
2. A Personal Haven.  Personal space is created by what is meaningful in your own life.  A personal haven may be in your bedroom, office, car, closet or any other place that you can claim as yours.  Your private space may be an altar, or shelf with a picture, meditation or prayer beads, journal, or objects that evoke significant memories.   This haven becomes a refuge for each individual in the family to find their own source of serenity and connection.
3. A Nature Haven.  We are all profoundly connected to nature.  You can create a haven or nature refuge outdoors or within your home.  You may want to keep a single plant on your window sill in your kitchen or a bonsai or simple flower in a vase near your personal or family space in your home to connect you with the natural world.  If you have the outdoor space you may want to create a haven in a garden that evolves over time, adding different creations each year reflecting the years of your life.  Your garden haven actually becomes a living journal and a history of your life.

Creating special places in your life to reflect, nourish and connect with your self and others is essential as you begin your life of balance.

Balance Every Day

Whether you work inside the home or outside the home the four roots of real happiness can bring your life into balance.  Whether you discipline yourself and choose 5 minutes to spend on each root a day or if you can create 20 minutes a day, it is essential for your life to remember your SELF roots everyday.  When you practice these roots daily you will experience really living not just existing in a life of habituation and worry.   A life rooted in balance mirrors that balance whether you are at home or work.  When you cultivate balance within you, your energy and power will emanate from you into this wonderful world which so sorely needs you.