Discover Your Sanctuary: How to Create Spaces that Nurture Your Spirit
In the whirlwind of everyday life, your home should be more than just a place you return to at the end of the day. It should be a sanctuary, a place of peace and tranquility where you feel grounded and centered, a space that invites you to reconnect with yourself. One crucial avenue that guides us in achieving this harmony within our living spaces is Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian philosophy of architecture and design that aligns our homes with nature's fundamental elements.
Sat Gurumukh Khalsa, the heart and mind behind Sukhmani Jewelry & Furnishings sees home as a multi-layered sanctuary, each room resonating with a distinct energy. A bedroom, for instance, can become a meditative space that calms the senses. It can be enriched with soothing music, aromatic incense, or elements that promote balance and harmony, leading to a sense of grounding and peace. Sat Gurumukh’s own office, on the other hand, is his ‘power room’—a vibrant, creative space that invigorates and focuses the mind. The idea here is to intentionally curate your spaces to generate the energy you need, whether it's peace, happiness, or prosperity.
Understanding Vastu Shastra
Often referred to as the "science of architecture", Vastu Shastra originated from ancient India in 6000 BC and offers invaluable principles of design, layout, measurements, space arrangement, and spatial geometry. These principles, deeply rooted in the laws of nature and the universe, help us create a harmonious living environment that complements the natural energies around us.
Vastu Shastra in Practice: Creating Your Sanctuary
Directional Alignment: One core principle of Vastu Shastra is the emphasis on cardinal directions - East, West, North, and South. Each direction boasts unique characteristics and energies. Directional alignment is one of the aspects of Vastu Shastra that Sat Gurumukh finds particularly beneficial. For example, sleeping east-west aligns with the natural energy flow of the Earth, which can lead to better sleep quality. Likewise, facing north while working is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, promoting focus and goal attainment. However, these directions can be adjusted depending on your personal circumstances and goals, a testament to the flexibility of Vastu Shastra.
Balance of Five Elements: Vastu Shastra recommends balancing Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Space – the five elements – within our spaces. This equilibrium fosters a harmonious energy flow and cultivates a calm, nurturing environment. For example, putting plants or a water feature in the water corner can balance the water element, while knowing not to put a candle (fire) in the water or earth corners.
Space Design and Arrangement: The purpose and layout of rooms are integral to Vastu Shastra. The kitchen, symbolizing Fire, is ideally placed in the Southeast, while the bedroom should be in the Southwest to promote grounding and stability. Sat Gurumukh notes that it is nearly impossible to follow the principles of Vastu Shastra to a T, however you can make little adjustments to what you have that will create a beneficial impact.
Role of Color: Colors significantly influence a room's mood and energy. Specific colors enhance different rooms based on their intended purpose according to Vastu Shastra. Similar to the elements, colors can elicit certain energies and affect the balance of your space. Water-related spaces, for example, could be enhanced by blues and greens, while earthy tones would be suitable for the 'earth' corner, providing a sense of grounding and stability.
Incorporation of Natural Energy: Sunlight, fresh air, and other natural energies are crucial for creating vibrant living spaces. Large windows, well-placed ventilation, and strategic mirror placement can help harness these natural elements. It’s all about flow.
Sat Gurumukh acknowledges that this approach of incorporating Vastu Shastra into a space can be challenging. It requires openness, willingness to let go, and the desire to make your home a sanctuary. It's an investment of time, energy, and resources. Yet he also emphasizes the power of taking baby steps—gradual changes that over time will transform your space into a sanctuary. He uses his personal journey of adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle as an example of the gradual yet transformative power of small, consistent changes.
Transform Your Space, Transform Your Life
Sat Gurumukh believes our environment reflects who we are. If your space is chaotic and disorganized, it might mirror your internal state. On the other hand, a clean, organized environment can promote clarity of thought and emotional calm. By consciously curating your space, you not only transform your physical surroundings but also invite personal growth and self-improvement.
Living as excellent humans entails taking advantage of every opportunity to elevate our human experience. By implementing Vastu Shastra principles, we create a sanctuary for ourselves, transforming our homes from mere physical shelters to spaces that radiate positive energy, nurture our spirit, and provide solace and peace. Sat Gurumukh underscores that there is no wrong way to integrate these principles into your life. Each little change you make, each alignment you adopt, can compound into a more harmonious living environment.
If you're unsure about where to start in creating your sanctuary, reach out to us for professional guidance. Our experts at Sukhmani Jewelry & Furnishings can walk you through the process, guiding you on how your space can profoundly influence your life. With intentional design, you can create a home that serves not only as a sanctuary but also as an extension of yourself – fostering wellness, promoting balance, and nurturing your spirit.