We live in a fast-paced world cluttered with to-do lists, worries, and distractions. Being able to find tranquility amidst this chaos would be an asset. Inner sanctuary training is a doorway to a refuge of calmness and peace. Learn how to create your own meditation script.
Creating Your Own Sacred Space
An inner place of sacredness is a place of safety, refuge, and peace. We create this place using a repeatable pattern or script. This is the inner world of the subconscious. The inner world of our transcendent consciousness is what some call spirit.
This paradise is different for everyone. Training the mind to access this partition gives us a refuge. It is a place where we can reconnect with our true selves, rejuvenate our spirit, and replenish our energy. This is the sanctuary of peace, happiness, and clarity we can reach almost anytime. Creating your own sacred space involves the use of tools you already have. (1) It uses the basic analytical ability to follow a process, your imagination, and your memory.
Inner Sanctuary Training
This training is about creating a safe place in the mind where you can take refuge and recharge. Because it exists in our minds, it can be a perfect pristine sanctuary. (2)
Imagine a place where time stands still, and stress and anxieties melt away. Here, you can tap into the infinite wisdom within your soul. This special space is tucked away deep within, waiting to be discovered. Your inner sanctuary meditation script will be the tool you use to enter this paradise.
Creating your own sacred space is easier than you think. Imagination and memory are powerful tools, but most people have not been shown how to use them. Our culture wants us to focus on the outward world. Now, it’s time to change that and unleash the power of your mind. Let’s look at the benefits and reasons for learning how to use these tools.
1. The Benefits of Inner Sanctuary Training
a) Stress reduction
Engaging in this process regularly enables us to manage stress more effectively. We learn to identify triggers and create a safe space where stressors hold no power over us. By cultivating a calm mindset, we are better able to handle the challenges of modern life.
b) Mental clarity
Our minds can easily become cluttered with thoughts, worries, and anxieties. Inner Sanctuary Training helps create mental clarity. It provides a space to detach from our thoughts and observe them objectively. This practice helps increase focus, enhance decision-making abilities, and promote mental strength.
c) Emotional balance
Practicing this method encourages us to acknowledge and process our emotions in a nurturing way. It is a safe haven where we can identify and release negative feelings. We learn to control the major emotions of anger and fear. In this space, we find emotional healing and restore emotional equilibrium.
d) Self-development, self-reflection, and introspection
Our soul home is a safe place where we have time for self-reflection and Introspection. We become more attuned to our needs, desires, and values. In this way, we can align our authentic selves. This process cultivates personal growth, enabling us to embrace our true potential. It exposes any bias and prejudice that are holding us back.
2. Reasons and Goals for The Inner Journey
There are several compelling reasons for taking this journey.
— Connect with your wisdom and intuition
The shamanic journey offers a sacred space to reconnect with your inner knowing. Sometimes, this inner knowing comes when we return from the journey. Other times, it comes from what we find on the journey or from our spirit animal or spirit guide.
— Identify your spirit guide
Many traditions use the symbolism of a spirit guide or spirit animal. They provide a feeling of comfort and safety. To find them, all you need to do is ask for them to appear. Then, whenever you journey, they are there to help guide you. Many shamans will ask you to identify your spirit guide the first time you take this journey.
— Healing is another major reason for this journey
This process provides the perfect space for healing on all levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. By accessing the spirit world, you can release blockages, past traumas, and negative energies that hinder your growth. The shamanic journey is a proven process that offers a pathway to self-transformation. It gives you insight into harmful patterns of thinking. It is a doorway that allows you to embrace your authentic self and step into your full potential.
— Reconnect with nature
In a world where we often feel disconnected from our natural surroundings, the shamanic journey brings us back to the roots of our existence. By communing with nature, we revitalize our connection to the Earth. This is true even if this connection is only made through visualization. In this way, we rediscover the healing power of nature. It makes us more aware of the value of plant medicine. And it helps us create a deep respect for the environment.
— Expand your perception
Far beyond the boundaries of our rational minds lies a vast landscape of unseen realities. The act of creating your sacred space is an important step in your development. Journeying offers a unique opportunity to expand perception. When we open our minds to realms beyond the ordinary, it changes our perspective. By stretching our understanding of reality, we gain access to higher dimensions of consciousness. This widens our perspective of the world, opening the doors to infinite possibilities.
2. Inner Sanctuary Training Building Blocks
Here are some preparatory elements that will make your meditation effective.
a) Find a quiet space
Choose a place where you can be alone and have privacy. It can be a dedicated meditation room, a peaceful corner in your house, or anywhere else that provides a sense of tranquility.
b) Set aside time
Start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice. Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits of your inner sanctuary training.
c) Focus on breath
Begin by taking deep breaths, allowing your body to relax with each exhale. Pay attention to the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body, grounding yourself in the present moment.
d) Visualize your special place
Imagine a serene and safe space within your mind. It could be a beautiful garden, a cozy cabin, or any place that brings you a sense of peace. Make it as detailed as possible, engaging all your senses.
Visualization is more than picturing the location. The process of creating your own sacred space uses all of your senses. You can hear the sounds of the environment, the wind, and birds. You can smell the air. You can feel the sensation of walking and touching the plants, etc. You can even taste the fruit or leaves of the plants.
e) Connect with your inner self
Your inner sanctuary meditation script will connect you with your inner self. Some traditions call this your spirit, your soul, or the observer. This is that aspect of consciousness and awareness that is observing your life.
Ask yourself questions, journal thoughts, or simply enjoy the tranquility. This is your space for self-acceptance and self-love. This place in the subconscious was well-known to many indigenous cultures. It is also the space where you enter into a meditative state known as the Shamanic State of Consciousness (SSC). (3)
We highly recommend using a drum or rattle to assist in entering this space. Many indigenous cultures used a drum or rattle to enter SSC. The repetitive beat of a drum which mimics the rhythm of the heartbeat. One long or louder beat followed by two short, softer beats. The cadence of this rhythm can be slowed, and your heartbeat will follow this rhythm. It is an effective way to control heartbeat and respiration.
You can find Shamanic drum and rattle tracks online, which vary in length from five to sixty minutes. Some authors we like are Sandra Ingerman, Hank Wasselman, and Steven Kauder.
f) Use a journal to document your experience
We recommend using a spiritual journal to record your experiences. It is a practical tool that will help you spot trends or changes in the symbols and typologies of your journey.
3. Creating Your Inner Sanctuary Meditation Script
As you settle into a comfortable position, take a deep breath and release any tension. Close your eyes and let your mind settle. Become aware of the stillness surrounding you, allowing your thoughts to fade away as you enter deep relaxation. You are ready to begin your journey inward.
a. Step One: Enter the Landscape
Creating your own sacred space starts with visualizing the entrance to your sacred landscape, which is the first step. Many Shamanic traditions use common scripts to start the process.
— Traverse the roots of a tree
One way is to visualize yourself as consciousness at the base of a large tree. Then, you visualize yourself descending the tree roots into the ground, opening into a large cavern. This is your soul home.
— Spirit canoe
Another method in many shamanic traditions is to visualize yourself in a canoe on a river going down into the jungle. Some cultures sit on the ground or in a canoe. The spirit canoe is the vehicle that takes them down the river of consciousness.
— The spiritual doorway
If you prefer a more modern approach, visualize yourself at a mansion or castle entrance. Picture the door, heavy with intricately carved designs, as it begins to open, revealing a path that winds through lush greenery.
Yet another variation of the doorway is entering a gate or window in a wall. Visualize approaching a tall wall with an ornate gate. As you approach, the gate or window opens, and you step inside and find yourself in a space filled with pure energy and divine light.
Find an entrance point that resonates. It is the key to entering a meditative state. As you enter this space, observe how the air feels crisper, how the colors appear more vibrant, and how a sense of tranquility envelopes you.
As you travel along the path, notice the gentle sounds of nature, the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant sound of flowing water. If your space is outdoors, feel the warmth of the sunlight on your skin and the softness of the Earth beneath your feet. If you are underground, feel the coolness of the air and the rocks.
Your inner sanctuary meditation script can use several methods of entry. Each one can take you to a special place for a special task.
b. Step Two: Traveling the Inner Landscape
Once we cross the threshold into the spirit realm, we encounter three distinct worlds. Each world offers unique revelations. The Upper World propels us into the realm of celestial beings, expansive wisdom, and profound inspiration. The Lower World takes us deep within the Earth, where we connect with animal spirits, ancient wisdom keepers, and our primal instincts. The Middle World is what we call normal reality. But, once you see how these realities are interconnected, you will understand there is nothing normal about reality.
All Shamanic traditions employ a spirit guide or spiritual animal to assist them in their travels and tasks. Connecting with your spirit guide is the next step of the inner sanctuary meditation script.
— Meet your spirit guide or guides
The first thing you should do is meet your spirit guide or animal. It’s easy. You ask them to show up. If a spirit guide or spirit animal appears that makes you feel safe and comfortable, they are likely your guide. It’s a good idea to ask them some questions just to make sure. You should ask, What are your intentions? Why are you here? Were you sent by someone else? The answers to these questions will help you to determine if they are your spiritual guide and if you can communicate with one another.
— Choose a goal or task
You are ready to start your journey once you confirm your spirit guide or animal. Perhaps you are here simply to find rest and refuge. If so, find a comfortable place and just hang out. If you have an immediate need or question, ask your spirit guide to help you.
After you ask for direction on a matter, be prepared to follow your guide. Your guide may take you directly to the answer, or they may also expose an issue or problem you need to deal with. In many cases, our spiritual advancement requires us to overcome roadblocks that may be attached to some experience. So, you may find yourself watching yourself in a previous memory.
We encounter various spirits, guides, and ancestors as we navigate these mystical realms. We may also encounter roadblocks or other spirits refusing to let us pass because we are not ready for their areas. You will find those who provide insights, guidance, and messages. Whether seeking clarity on a specific issue or the need for healing, the shamanic journey serves as the universal conduit. Creating your own sacred space in the place for serious inner work.
What exactly are these spirits? Psychiatrists like Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud investigated these processes. They thought spirit entities were typologies or symbolism of the subconscious mind. Regardless of what they are, they are always the first to greet you on the inner journey.
c. Step Three: Close out your Session
If you use a drum track specifically for the Shamanic journey, the tempo will decrease as you move into your session. Then, as the session is ending, it will signal it is time to close out by using rattles or some other cue. Thank your spirit guide or guides for their assistance, and take your time to come out. Sit or lie down and notice what is going on.
The first thing you should do is document the highlights of any sensations, emotions, or significant encounters. If you have a deep session, your memory will often fade quickly, so documenting is important.
d. Step Four: Interpreting the Symbolism of Your Journey
Creating your own sacred space is essential for your mental and spiritual health. Your journey will yield some lessons that are immediately understood. Other times, your journey will give you messages contained with layers of symbolism or typologies. These require you to research to find the answer to these riddles.
The best way to find out what these symbols mean starts with your journal. Whenever you take this journey, keep your journal handy. Write down the main points of your experience, especially anything with high emotional impact. Note anything that seems out of place or extraordinary. Pay attention to patterns or things that come up repeatedly.
In the past, people relied on Beasiaries and dictionaries to interpret their symbolism. But our culture has changed so much that the meaning of these doesn’t hold true today. We have a number of things in our modern world that simply do not exist. Our culture has also undergone major transitions since the Dark Ages when these ancient documents were created.
The key to understanding your journey’s symbolism and typology is your experience. The meaning you assign to symbols is unique. For example, if your spirit animal is a past pet dog. Then, this helps you understand your emotional attachment and the significance of your pet and the spirit animal.
Conclusion
Creating your own sacred space is a process that reveals more about who we are. Something that doesn’t work today may work tomorrow. Conversely, a technique you used in the past may not work today. So, it’s best to be flexible and take things as they come. It’s part of the ebb and flow of spiritual growth.
Inner sanctuary training is essential in the modern world. It helps us keep in touch with our inner refuge. Here is where we connect with our intuition and our observer.
References
(1) Special Issue “Sacred Spaces: Designing for the Transcendental.”
(2) Sacred Space. National Library of Medicine
(3) Shamanic State of Consciousness. The Free Dictionary, Medical