Creating Beautiful Space

Creating a space of intention

AN INVITATION

Creating beautiful spaces for ourselves as Black women folx is an act of political resistance.

Taking the time to adorn whatever space we inhabit with the textures, objects, scents and sounds that bring us delight and joy affirms an important part of who we are and who we are called to be in the world.

 
A white, hand drawn line drawing of cotton
 

 We are called to be, we are a part of the very goodness of creation.

And with every lovely niche and nook we create in the world, we at once say no to a politics that denies our right to be, and yes to a world that longs for the beauty we have to offer.

Beloved, we invite you to create beauty wherever you will.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

A white cloth with some wrinkles lies on a bed of glittering gold - in the middle are three concentric circles a circle of purple dots

A cloth

Something soft or rough, meaningful or every-day, big or small for us to build our beautiful space upon.

Two green and lush succulents with thick rounded leaves sits in a white pot, over a glittering gold rectangular shape

Plants

Plants, flowers, seeds, shells or stones will bring life into your space.

A burning candle sits over a glittering bed of gold

Candle

A small candle adds light and warmth to your space.

A blank journal sits open with hand stitched binding down the center over a glittering gold rectangular shape

A journal & pen

We’ll reflect on our experience, so have something beautiful to write on or with.

 

THE PRACTICE

 1. Find a quiet space

Identify a place where you can steal-away for a bit. If you don’t have a door you can close, or an outdoor space you can step into, maybe your headphones will provide you with that space.

Spread your cloth on a table, desk or place on the floor no matter how small. Anywhere at all will do. Listen to the meditation below as you continue on.

Several pillows of varying shapes, sizes and textures sit on a bench, with a patterned blanket hanging casually off the edge - a comfortable spot to sit and rest

2. Bring the space to life

Light a candle of any size. A votive or something larger. Battery- operated is perfect, and place it anywhere on the table or floor that feels right.

Bring something alive into your space; a flower or a plant is ideal. If you don’t have either, consider stones or shells, seeds or beans. Bring in personal and meaningful items to make the space your own.

Different organic elements sit on a table, cinnamon sticks, sage, flowers, cotton and two burning candles.

3. Exist in your space

Take a moment to appreciate what you have just created for yourself, and consider spending 5 minutes of quiet time in this space.

Allow your space to exist for at least a week, and maintain it in a way that feels natural and right to you.

A black woman wearing a red shirt and a patterned cardigan sits at a table with her eyes closed and her hands clasped in front of her mouth, taking a few minutes of quiet time.

REFLECT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE

 
A graphic element of concentric, hand-drawn purple dotted circles
 

Define beauty for yourself.

How did it feel to create, and then tend to your beautiful space?

What are the spaces and places in life that need your beautifying attention?

 
 

Ways to use this meditation

 
 

As a weekly or monthly personal discipline

In retreat with a community dedicated to creating altars, meditation and other spaces of healing and respite