What does your sacred home look like? What do you see as you walk up to the front door of your home? Your entryway is the important transition between the outside world and your home. Paint your front door a welcoming color, place some flowering plants on your front steps and hang prayer flags that flutter gently in the breeze. Now, step over the threshold into the entryway to your home. Is it bright and joyful? Is it inviting? If your entryway is dark or dingy try hanging brightly colored artwork or mirrors to reflect light. Different colors can evoke different feelings so consider using blue for relaxation, yellow for energy, red for passion, and white for clarity. At a minimum, keep this area clean and free of clutter.

What does your sacred home sound like? Step inside, close the front door, stop and listen. Most people are surprised to discover that the ambient sound level in their homes is quite high. As you listen, consider what kinds of sounds you hear. Are they happy sounds such as birds chirping or children playing? Is it the stressful noise of traffic or neighbors? Is it the irritating noise of phones ringing? Your living room is where the outside world bursts in through telephones, televisions, radios and computers. As with any boisterous guest, don't let the din of the world overstay its welcome. Create a retreat atmosphere by switching off everything that makes noise. Don't leave the television on if no one is watching and don't use it as background noise while you are busy elsewhere.

What does your sacred home feel like? Walk into your bedroom and run your hand across your bedspread and pillow. Do they feel soft and inviting? Are they warm or sensuous? If you have difficulty falling asleep, even little things such as the feel and texture of sheets can have a big effect on how easily you doze off. You will spend nearly one-third of your life asleep and the bedroom is your place to renew at the beginning and relax at the end of each day. Make your bed using cool cotton sheets during spring and autumn and crisp linen ones in summer for a peaceful sleep. Cuddly flannel sheets and fluffy down comforters create a cozy refuge in the wintertime. Have soft, fuzzy carpeting on the floor or comfy slippers to coddle your bare feet and fluffy pillows to cuddle your head.

What does your sacred home smell like? Your bathroom is the perfect place to explore aromatherapy with bath salts, candles, oils and soap. Quality and not quantity is what is important, so shop for pure oils and essences and beeswax candles with a pure cotton wick. Products containing pure oils and essences have stronger healing properties than those made from chemicals. Research has shown that one of the fastest ways to influence mood is through smell. Some aromatherapy scents to consider: the heady bouquet of rose for romance, the soothing aroma of vanilla for comfort, the delicate scents of lavender, geranium or rosemary for relaxation, the fresh fragrances of orange or peppermint for energy.

What does your sacred home taste like? Your kitchen is the place to celebrate life; to nourish and be nourished. Honor your family heritage and create a dish similar to one your great-great grandmother might have prepared. Are you stuck in a taste rut with not enough zest in your food? Buy a new spice like cardamom or turmeric. Use all of your taste buds - sweet, sour, bitter, salty - and taste textures such as crunchy, creamy or chewy. Eat slowly and savor your food. Experiment by creating ethnic dishes together with friends to nourish and sustain both your body and your spirit.

You can easily transform your house into a sanctuary for your spirit by using your five senses. When you become aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, you can turn your home into a reflection of your soul.

Copyright 2001 Lorraine Aho is the founder of SacredHome.com�?/EM>