Creating a Sanctuary

IN YOUR HOME, OFFICE, OR GARDEN

by Justine Lucas

If you have time before your session, you can make your space super cozy ~ get pillows, put on comfy clothes, light a candle, create an altar, make a cup of herbal tea ~ get your magical mojo flowing! You'll also have 5 minutes to do this at the beginning of the session while people are signing in, but that time tends to go by fast. Sometimes it's fun to spend some time leading up to your session preparing your space and making a spot that feels sacred for this powerful inner work we'll be doing together.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and tranquility at home has become more important than ever. A home sanctuary—a dedicated space for yoga, meditation, and singing—can be the perfect retreat for nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. Creating such a space doesn’t require a large budget or tons of space; it's about intention, mindfulness, and cultivating a harmonious atmosphere. Here are a few simple ways to transform your home or garden into a serene sanctuary.

1. Choose the Right Space

The first step in creating your sanctuary is selecting a space that feels comfortable and free from distractions. It could be a quiet corner of your living room, a sunny nook by a window, or even a spot in your garden. Ideally, this space should be away from the hustle and bustle of the household, allowing you to connect with yourself fully.

2. Declutter for Clarity

A clutter-free environment promotes mental clarity. Take time to remove unnecessary items from your chosen space, leaving only what is essential. A clean, simple area can help clear your mind, making it easier to focus on your practice—whether it’s yoga, meditation, or singing.

3. Incorporate Natural Elements

Nature has a calming effect, so bring the outdoors inside! Add plants, natural stones, or wooden accents to connect with the earth. If your sanctuary is outdoors, arrange comfortable seating or mats near flowers, trees, or a small fountain to create a peaceful atmosphere. The sounds of birds chirping or the rustling of leaves can also enhance the environment.

4. Create an Inviting Atmosphere with Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of your space. Soft, natural light is ideal for meditation and yoga, but you can also use candles or lanterns to create a warm, cozy ambiance. For evening practices, a dimly lit room with calming light can help you ease into relaxation. Consider Himalayan salt lamps for their soft glow and reputed healing properties.

5. Add Personal Touches for Comfort

To make your sacred space truly yours, personalize it with items that inspire calm and creativity. This could include a comfortable cushion or mat for your yoga and meditation practices, a singing bowl, crystals, or artwork that brings you peace. Incorporate colors that resonate with you—soft blues, greens, and earthy tones are often used for their calming effects.

"One can appreciate & celebrate each moment — there's nothing more sacred. There's nothing more vast or absolute. In fact, there's nothing more!"  ~ Gautama Siddhartha (Buddha)

Creating a home sanctuary is all about nurturing an environment that supports your well-being and spiritual practice. Whether indoors or outdoors, with just a few simple adjustments, you can create a place where you can reconnect, recharge, and find inner peace.

Teas for the Voice

HERBAL TEAS THAT COMFORT THE THROAT

by Justine Lucas

f drinking tea, try a non-astringent herbal tea like ginger, anise, chamomile, or licorice. Green and black teas have tannins which can dry out your throat. Mint also dries out the throat, and lemon is acidic and astringent. Coffee is highly acidic and dehydrating, so if you need the caffeine, I'd recommend black tea over coffee, even with the tannins.  When in doubt - add honey! Honey is lubricating, hydrating, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and is also an antiseptic! It really is liquid gold. 
(Thank you, bees!)

The Health and Spiritual Energy Benefits
of Ginger, Anise, Chamomile, and Licorice Teas

Herbal teas have been cherished for centuries for their calming properties and health benefits. Whether sipped in the morning to energize the body or in the evening to relax the mind, each tea offers unique advantages that go beyond taste. Among the most beloved are ginger, anise, chamomile, and licorice teas. These herbs don’t just soothe; they bring healing benefits to the body, mind, and spirit. Let’s dive into the powerful properties of each of these teas and how they can elevate both your physical and spiritual well-being.

1. Ginger Tea: A Boost for the Body and Spirit

Ginger is well-known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach and aid digestion, but its benefits extend much further. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, ginger tea helps boost the immune system, ease nausea, and promote better circulation.

On a spiritual level, ginger is thought to stimulate vitality and awaken inner strength. It’s often used in energy-clearing rituals, believed to help clear negative energy and provide a sense of grounding and clarity. Drinking ginger tea can serve as a reminder to invigorate both the body and the spirit, encouraging resilience and courage.

2. Anise Tea: Sweetness for the Body and Soul

Anise, with its delicate licorice-like flavor, is prized for its digestive and calming properties. Known to ease bloating, reduce gas, and support the respiratory system, anise tea is a gentle, soothing choice for those seeking relief from digestive discomfort or stress.

Spiritually, anise is considered a protector herb. It is often used in spiritual rituals to invoke protection, balance, and calm the mind. Anise tea can help you create a sense of peace and stability in your life, allowing you to connect to your inner wisdom and intuition. It’s perfect for moments when you need clarity or emotional grounding.

3. Chamomile Tea: A Gentle Calm for the Mind and Spirit

Chamomile tea is a staple for relaxation. Known for its gentle sedative properties, it’s perfect for reducing stress, calming anxiety, and helping with sleep. Chamomile contains antioxidants that promote relaxation and support overall well-being, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with daily tension.

Spiritually, chamomile is often used to invoke peace and emotional healing. It’s believed to promote a sense of inner calm and to help clear the mind of negative thoughts. Sipping chamomile tea can serve as a meditative ritual, bringing balance and peace to your energy field, creating space for rest and spiritual renewal.

4. Licorice Tea: A Sweetener for Health and Energy

Licorice root has been used for centuries for its numerous health benefits, particularly its ability to support the adrenal glands and improve energy levels. Licorice tea can help balance hormones, soothe inflammation, and improve digestion. It’s also known to have antiviral properties, making it a great choice for strengthening the immune system.

On a spiritual level, licorice is believed to enhance spiritual vitality, promote emotional strength, and protect against negative energy. It’s often used to bring stability and support during challenging times, helping to restore harmony within the body and mind. Drinking licorice tea can encourage feelings of empowerment and uplift your spirit.

"One can appreciate & celebrate each moment — there's nothing more sacred. There's nothing more vast or absolute. In fact, there's nothing more!" ~ Gautama Siddhartha (Buddha)

Ginger, anise, chamomile, and licorice teas are more than just delightful beverages—they’re powerful allies in nurturing your health and spiritual energy. By incorporating these herbal teas into your routine, you can support your physical well-being while fostering balance and positivity in your life. Whether you seek to energize, protect, relax, or heal, these teas offer a natural and soothing path to maintaining harmony within yourself.

So, brew a cup and let nature’s wisdom work its magic. ✨🍵