What Tailwinds Are Propelling You This Year?
As we wrap up the first quarter of the year, I encourage you take a “gratitude moment” and reflect on the tailwinds propelling you in 2019. Even though the year is still unfolding, it’s already brought exciting opportunities and new people into the Ben Kiker Group. That leads me to news I’m thrilled to share—and news I’m incredibly grateful for!
We just welcomed a new team member, Yvonne Hunt, who joins the Ben Kiker Group as a recovery coach. With Yvonne’s experience and expertise we’re opening new avenues for Executives In Recovery, offering a greater range of services for hands-on peer-to-peer coaching.
A key tenet to Yvonne’s coaching is finding one’s “sacred space.” Similar to my morning practice that helps me get in the flow, Yvonne’s sacred space is where she finds her focus, her direction, and her path forward. I hope you enjoy reading what a “sacred space” means to Yvonne—and why we should all establish one.
Be sure to connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn and follow us on Instagram, where I’m sharing #inthemoment coaching tips and the occasional #planenerd post. Now, I’ll turn it over to Yvonne!
Yvonne Hunt on Sacred Spaces
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending an event at 1440 Multiversity. Named for the number of minutes in a day, 1440 is a relatively new retreat center in Scotts Valley, California. It’s a place to experience time differently, exploring what matters most through one of its many programs.
As soon as I entered the serene campus and took in the beauty of the grounds, I immediately felt that beloved “ahhh.” It’s the feeling I get when I’m in a sacred space—a space that literally gives me space to think, to breathe, to ponder or to dream. It’s also a space that inspires me to journal, which I began doing while waiting for my room.
Unfortunately, the world we live in—especially those of us who call Silicon Valley home—has us operating at a pace where there is little or no time to find or make that space. As I began journaling at 1440 Multiversity, I reflected on the importance of not only creating our own sacred space but committing to use it regularly.
My sacred space is a quiet part of our home where I display my art. The area looks out on part of our garden I call “Dorothy’s Corner,” where I honor my late mother. It’s in this place of love where I’m able to get quiet with myself. I go there as part of my almost daily practice (I’m still working on that) or when I have something to reflect on. It’s in these quiet moments, when I separate myself from external distractions, that I’m able to experience the “ahhh” I noted earlier.
I hope I’ve inspired you to create your sacred space! It can be whatever—or wherever—you need it to be, as long as you feel free to let your soul rejuvenate. Here are three things to consider when creating your space:
1. Make it accessible and comfortable. Like a gym, if it’s out of your way, you won’t go. You shouldn’t have to plan on visiting your sacred space.
2. Surround yourself with three personal items that inspire you or touch your heart. This will anchor you to your space—and make it meaningful for you.
3. Establish practices or rituals for when you enter and leave your space. These can be something as simple as lighting a candle, playing certain music, or saying a prayer; anything that helps you feel aligned with the intention of your space.
One final tip: don’t over think it! Your space doesn’t have to be grand—it just needs to provide a space that creates the “ahhh” I mentioned earlier for your mind, body, and soul. I’d love to hear about your space. As always, I appreciate our mutual learning on this incredible journey of life.