A Pocket of Peace
by Janice Lynne Lundy
A Pocket of Peace is an intentional pause. It is a sacred opportunity to stop, let go of any emotional or physical duress we may be experiencing, and remember the inner peace that abides within us. When life threatens to overwhelm, when stress, fear, or worry come to call, simply stop, take a breath, and practice this Pocket of Peace. Doing so will bring you home to your truest self - a woman who is naturally calm, clear, and wise.

Everyone needs an oasis in the desert of life.
Your personal oasis is waiting for you.
When you find it, drink deeply of its cooling waters.
Relax in the shade of its sheltering palms.
Be satisfied.
Be well.

~~~~~~~

Creating Sanctuary

The intention to create sanctuary is a powerful act. To know after a busy day filled with business and personal chores, errands with children, or appointments, we can come home to a soothing environment of our own creation is nothing short of wonderful. We all have the power of choice and the freedom to determine the timbre of our surroundings. Whatever our personal situation might be, it is up to us to become aware of what soothes our jangled nerves, then incorporate more of that into our surroundings-- to create a physical Pocket of Peace within our homes.

Take a moment to think about what soothes your psyche and nourishes your spirit. Imagine that your home is an oasis, a warm, welcoming refuge. What colors greet your eyes? What do you smell? What is the noise level and what sounds are present? What objects are on tables, what pictures on the walls? Notice how you feel as you stand in this sacred space.

Once visualized, you can now proceed to create it.

An Oasis for the Senses

Designate a space in your home to be your personal sanctuary. This can be a bedroom, den, spare room, or screened in porch--any place you can carve out a Pocket of Peace. If space is limited, designate a corner, desktop, or nightstand as sacred space.

Begin by eliminating clutter and removing items with negative associations. Object by object, place into your space only the things that bring you a sense of pleasure, of peace, of true happiness.

Joseph Campbell once said, “You must have a room or a certain hour of the day or so where you do not know what was in the morning paper ... a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are, and what you might be.” When you are in need of remembering who you are—a woman of clarity and calm—spend time in or near your personal sanctuary. Light a scented candle, arrange fresh flowers in a vase, play soothing music. Take a moment to still your racing thoughts, to breathe again.

Once settled, say to yourself:

“Sitting here in my sacred space, I surrender to feelings of well-being.
I breathe in beauty and breathe out peace.”

Give yourself the gift of sanctuary. All yourself to be at peace with yourself, at peace in your world in a sacred space of your own creation.

Until next time …

May you be happy.
May you be well.
May you be safe.
May you be peaceful and at ease.

Love and Blessings,
Jan Lundy

, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.com To learn more about Jan, visit her website, www.awakenedliving.com, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book,

©Janice Lynne Lundy, 2009
Learn more about Jan Lundy and "Pockets of Peace."

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October's Pocket of Peace
November's Pocket of Peace
December's Pocket of Peace
January's Pocket of Peace
February's Pocket of Peace
March Pocket of Peace