(PREVIOUS:  Creating a Place of Peace ~~ Nourishing the Soul

Do you have a special chair that is just so cozy & comfortable?
Do you have a special afghan or blanket?
What about an inspirational book or favorite magazine?

Are you a person who gains strength from a power greater than yourself?  
For many that is God.

What aroma makes you feel calm and peaceful?
I love vanilla and caramel aromas.
Others are calmed by lavendar.
Still others are partial to cinnamon or flowery smells.

All of these will be used to create your own special
Inspiration Corner.

STEP 1: Finding your “Corner”

Everyone needs a “corner,” a place of solitude and contentment where the pressures and busy-ness of life are not allowed in ~ a corner where only Peace and Joy are allowed to exist.

Some use a corner in their bedroom. Others prefer a corner in a reading room or guest room.

Once you’ve decided on the room, identify which corner you want to use for your Inspiration Corner. Move anything that is in that space so that it is totally clear – it doesn’t matter right now where you put the stuff that was there.

If needed, get a vacuum and dust rag to clean that area. Now it is ready to set up.

STEP 2: Setting up your Inspiration Corner

Once you’ve identified and cleared out the corner, move your favorite chair into that corner. Put a small side table and lamp next to the chair. If needed, vacuum the chair and polish the side table.

You want to smile and feel peaceful
when you retreat to your Inspiration Corner. 

Even if the rest of your home is cluttered and dirty, you can make this small part of your home the haven you desire.

STEP 3: Making your Inspiration Corner a Haven

Now that you’ve set up your inspiration corner with a comfy chair and small table, it’s time to surround yourself with things that inspire you and contribute to feelings of contentment and joy. Here are some ideas:

      • A cozy blanket or afghan
      • Pictures of loved ones
      • Your “dream book”  (see Creating a Place of Peace ~ Nourishing the Soul)
      • Your Bible if you use one
      • An inspirational book you are reading or have been wanting to read
      • Something on which to play music
      • Candle with a favorite scent *

Maybe you have some encouraging notes or cards from special people you want to have here. Maybe you have a favorite painting or framed inspirational poem you want to hang on the wall.

NOTE:  If your home is very cluttered, you might want to face the chair so you can look outside or at something other than the clutter.  You want this to be a space you can momentarily mentally escape the clutter in your life and your home.  You might need to put a small bookshelf against the wall and place the  chair to face the shelf.  Then fill the shelf with inspirational things you love the most.  These should be the most meaningful things to you that only bring feelings of contentment and joy.

STEP 4: Experiencing Peace in your Inspiration Corner

Stand back and look at the small haven that you have created. Go get a favorite mug or a fancy cup and saucer, and brew yourself a cup of coffee or tea (or another favorite drink). Snuggle into your chair surrounded by all that makes you feel warm and cozy and sip on your drink.

Close your eyes and allow yourself to breathe deep, relaxing each of your muscles from head to toe. Read over your responses to “Questions to Redefine Your Life.”

Experience the peace and joy that is possible
in this special space you created.

You have the power and ability to create these spaces
in your home, in your mind, and in your life. 

STEP 5: Drawing daily strength and inspiration in your Inspiration Corner

In the quiet of the morning and at the end of a busy day, spend a little time in this haven you have created. Relax, breathe deep, remind yourself each day of your vision for your home and your life. Review your Inspiration Journal. Make a plan for the day to take steps toward fulfilling that vision.

You may think you don’t have time in your day to do this, but this physical, emotional, and spiritual rejuvenation brings focus to our lives and helps filter out all that clutter that needlessly monopolizes our time and energy.

**  Relax  **  Reflect  **  Refocus **

(NEXT:  Creating a Place of Peace: the Process ~~ Part 2: Beyond the Inspiration Corner)

* Due to the fire hazard, I do not use regular candles – I know myself and can be forgetful.  Therefore, I only use wax burners that burn tealights – they put off a wonderful smell, and if I forget to blow out the tealight, it burns itself out within a couple of hours.