Personal Sanctuary Creation: How I Am Creating A Space for My Calm and Clarity
- Amy Sampsell - Reader & Spiritual Practitioner

- Mar 25
- 4 min read
If, you are like me, the world rarely seems to pause and because of this, I’ve had to come to the realization of how important it is to have a space that feels like my own—a place where the noise fades, my shoulders soften, and I can return to myself. Now mind you, my sanctuary will not be perfect or elaborate in any way, but simply a corner where I can shape it with care, so I can rest, reflect, and breathe a little deeper.
What Makes It Feel Calm
So, with a general plan in mind, I started creating this space on paper. And, through the planning process, I have begun to take notice of how much the smallest details matter. The light, color, scent, and texture will all begin to shape how I feel when I step into it.
Now, because I want this space to feel serene, and I tend to gravitate toward soft, warm lighting—especially in the evenings, I knew that I needed my sanctuary to be just that - serene. And, there’s something comforting about dim lamps or the quiet flicker of a candle that helps me slow down. During the day, I also try to let in as much natural light as possible in to my home, as if inviting a bit of the outside world in, but also just to keep the house feeling somewhat lighter, brighter and happier; all of which keeps my centered and grounded in my physical, and my spiritual, life.
And I know that I also need colors and scents that will add a sense of serenity as well. So, for the colors, I am choosing some that are gentle and grounding—nothing too loud or demanding. Soft greens, warm neutrals, and muted tones seem to hold a kind of quiet steadiness that I realize that I need.
And the scent, as I said earlier, are also needed to add to serenity, and I find that it’s scent that brings me back to the present. So, adding a hint of lavender or sandalwood that lingers in the air, is always subtle, but with just enough to shift my mood.
We cannot forget the textures! And this is where I did my homework! I love to snuggle up under soft blankets, sinking deep into a chair or couch and just sip on my coffee or tea and relax, it is one of my guilty pleasures to be sure. I know that having a soft blanket that I will reach for without thinking, having a woven basket that holds little extras, even having the smoothness of a stone that I can keep nearby to fiddle with are all important elements to bringing calming energies to me. It is these small, tactile comforts that remind me to slow down and feel where I am presently.
Letting Go of the Unnecessary
One of the most meaningful parts of creating this space, even on paper, has been learning to let go. I realize how much clutter quietly weighs on me, and until I begin clearing it away, it will remain and I will feel heavier, more sluggish in life and just not be motivated to be my best self.
So, I am starting small—just a drawer at first, then maybe a shelf. With each step, I will ask myself what truly belongs. What supports rest? What feels meaningful? What can I release?
And, by going through those steps, I will have a clearer picture of what remains and how it feels intentional. So that there’s space—not emptiness, but room to breathe. And somehow, that openness will make it easier for my mind to settle too.
Bringing a Bit of Nature Inside
I am a nature loving gal and I’ve found that even the smallest touch of nature in a space can change the energy of a room immediately. A simple plant, a few fresh flowers, or even a stone collected on a quiet walk can bring a sense of calm that feels steady and grounding.
With these little pieces surrounding me, I am reminded that not everything needs to rush. That growth can be slow. That stillness has its own kind of beauty.
Making It Mine
What is going to make this space truly mine will be the things that hold a true and intentional meaning for me. A photograph that brings a quiet smile. A journal filled with scattered thoughts and honest reflections. A piece of art that I connected with without fully knowing why.
None of these are just objects however—they’re small anchors. They will remind me of who I am, what I value, and where I’ve been.
How I Plan To Spend Time Here
This space will slowly become part of my daily rhythm. I may not always use it the same way, and I am not going to try to.
Some mornings, I may sit in silence for a few minutes, just breathing before the day begins. Other times, I may write—letting whatever is on my mind find its way onto the page. Occasionally, I may stretch or move gently, noticing where I’ve been holding tension.
And sometimes, I may simply sit, with no goal, no structure—just being.
What It Will Become
A sanctuary isn’t something you ever fully finish. It will evolve, just as we do.
The space will never be perfect, and it should never be, but it will feel like home in a quiet, personal way. It will hold space for me on both the calm days and the overwhelming ones. And each time I return to it, I will be reminded—softly and without pressure—to pause, breathe, and come back to myself.
So, the plan will move forward and I will have a larger space. But, for now, my small little shelf - the nook away from everyone else - where I can pause for a few moments, will do. One day very soon, I know that I will have my full sanctuary where I can just be and just breath.
I hope that this inspires you to do the same. Start small, plan bigger when and where you can. And allow yourself just room to breath and find serenity, because every day is a new beginning and every small step takes you closer to your goals.
Much Love and Many Blessings




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