Do you want to reclaim your peace after a busy day? Do you want to get centered before heading out to school or work? Do you want a private retreat to get away from the world? Then create a space at home to practice meditation, prayer, yoga, tai chi or other spiritual practices!

Some ways to create space

- Convert a guest room or adult child's old bedroom to a clear open space that serves double duty, by keeping a futon folded up and stored on end in the closet - to be rolled out for visitors.

- Create floor space by removing tables, dressers and night stands from the floor. Instead use high shelving to store items. Perhaps you have room for a long shelf or a string of cupboards on the wall over a window or doorway.

- Use the center of your attic if you have space to stand. Attach flooring boards to the rafters in your 'found space' and tack down a piece of wall to wall carpeting. Do not burn candles and incense, though, because of fire danger. Rather, use a soft light bulb in the attic light fixture. (Photo shows reclaimed attic space - light is coming in from a dormer window at the right.)

- Do you have a space of patio that you can block off from prying eyes with a fence or shrubbery? Practicing meditation, prayer, tai chi or yoga outdoors can be very peaceful.

- How wide is your hallway? Perhaps this is another space that can be reclaimed for motion practices. Be sure the flooring is non-slip - roll up those throw rugs first.

As you can see, there are ways to make some space for the practices that keep you going and enrich your body-mind-spiritual health in the process!

Meditations to Relax and Unwind
Dance and Motion Meditations
Peace Meditations

Article and photo credit Susan Helene Kramer

***

For offline reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

***

Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.