Home as Sanctuary

In the midst of this coronavirus pandemic, I’m reframing the way I refer to staying at home, exchanging terms like “lockdown, sheltered in place, and shut-in” for “restoring, sanctuary, and reset.”  Now it is more essential than ever that our homes do double duty to nourish, shelter and entertain, and protect us. So how do we make our homes, as much as possible, feel like a sanctuary?

Everyone I know is doing spring cleaning and decluttering, and yet remarking that they don’t get as much done as they think they should.  It seems that we’re slowing down, feeling less motivated despite the time we have. I’m wondering if this pandemic is an opportunity to reset the pace at which we live life? Is this slower, less frenetic, pace a more natural rhythm for us as humans? It is also important to acknowledge that we are all suffering some level of loss, of connection, loved ones, a way of life. And when we are grieving, we have less energy and a greater need for self-care. 

It’s easy to become overwhelmed and collapse under our “should” list for things like organizing closets, sorting through paperwork, or washing windows. True inspiration comes from the heart’s longing to create beauty around us. When you dream about a space that you’d call a sanctuary, the process for creating it becomes as indulgent as the result of your work. A good place to start would be to consider all five of our senses. What are the elements that would make a space a sanctuary for you? 

Sight -  For me, this means a more minimalist aesthetic, and the ability to have within my sight those things that are meaningful and beautiful. I want to walk into a room and rest my eyes on an art object or textile I love, without distraction. Unless you are inspired to tackle your whole home, declutter and clean at least one area of your home where you can retreat and indulge. I use flowers to brighten my space, and though I have less access to them now, even a few cuttings of greenery bring life to the indoors.

Sound -  In the morning, I’m finding delight in the relative quiet in our city as there is not the usual traffic or aircraft noise. And, I’m grateful for the technology of playlists providing access to selections of calm, soothing music or simply sounds of nature. 

Touch - One of the most luxurious things about staying in a hotel is the feel of cool, smooth, crisp sheets. I never take time to iron my own linen sheets, but here’s a great tip from Renate, owner of Adorn in Real Life.  Simply spray your linens lightly with clean water and smooth them with your hands, applying a gentle tug if needed. The wrinkles magically disappear, and you are left with that just-ironed look and feel. 

Smell - Many people are bothered by fragrance, and there are real health concerns with addition of them in products. But there are some natural ways to indulge our olfactory sense. Bring in cuttings from your own yard, such as herbs, verbena, juniper sprigs, or pine. Boil some lemon grass or verbena for tea. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to woolen drier balls help minimize static and give a light calming scent to your laundry. Or arrange a few sprigs of rosemary in a vase. One of my favorite design sites, Remodelista, has some ideas for using essential oils in the home.

Taste - When I think of a sanctuary, I imagine being curled up, in a comfortable chair, sipping a hot cup of soothing tea. I make a ritual of it, getting out a beautiful teacup and teapot, and serving accompaniments like English biscuits, lemon, crystallized ginger, and linen serviette.  

I hope this inspires you to indulge what your heart yearns for now and you find joy in creating a space that nourishes, restores and calms. Perhaps one of the things we’ve been able to do is rediscover our need for deep rest, for being together, and that our homes continue to reflect serve what is uniquely meaningful to each of us in life. Wishing you good health always. 

* Image by Oriento via Unsplash