Coming home:

We moved a few weeks ago and it’s been so nice getting settled into our new home. The idea of “home” has been coming up for me. Our physical home environment is no doubt important in our ability to ground, relax, and tap into creativity. But what about the most important home we will ever create… the home within ourselves?

Coming Home to Yourself

Creating a “home within” refers to cultivating a sense of inner peace, stability, and contentment that doesn’t rely on external circumstances. It’s about developing a strong, nurturing relationship with yourself so that, no matter where you are or what’s happening around you, you feel secure and at ease within your own being. Here are some ways to create this inner home:

1. Self-Acceptance and Love: Embrace who you are, with all your strengths and imperfections. Self-acceptance is the cornerstone of inner peace. Practice self-compassion, forgiving yourself for mistakes, and treating yourself with kindness.

2. Mindfulness and Presence: Practice being fully present in each moment. This will help you connect with your inner self and reduce the impact of external stressors. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and mindful walking can anchor you in the present.

3. Inner Dialogue: Pay attention to your self-talk. Replace negative, self-critical thoughts with positive, loving words. One of my favorite ways to do this is to put sticky notes with empowering affirmations up around the house in areas I frequent throughout the day so I can read them over and over again and wire them into my brain.

4. Emotional Regulation: Learn to navigate your emotions with grace. Instead of suppressing or reacting impulsively, allow yourself to feel and process emotions, understanding their root causes. Journaling or talking to a therapist can be beneficial.

5. Creating Rituals: One of my faves! Establish daily or weekly rituals that nurture your inner well-being (aka non-negotiables). This could include morning meditation, evening reflections, or a gratitude practice. Rituals create a sense of continuity and safety.

6. Physical Self-Care: Take care of your body through regular exercise, nourishing food, sufficient rest, and mindful consumption (i.e. technology and items from the material world). A healthy body supports a healthy mind, and physical well-being is an integral part of feeling at home within yourself.

7. Spiritual Connection: If it resonates with you, cultivate a spiritual practice. Whether through prayer, meditation, or other forms of spiritual exploration, connecting with something greater than yourself can provide a deep sense of inner security and belonging. Try my Loving Kindness 7 Minute Meditation.

8. Embracing Solitude: Learn to be comfortable with solitude. Spending time alone allows you to tune into your inner needs, desires, and thoughts, strengthening your sense of self-reliance and inner contentment.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Creating a home within is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. It involves consistently nurturing your inner world and being gentle with yourself as you grow and evolve. The more you cultivate this inner sanctuary, the more resilient and centered you’ll become, no matter what life brings your way.

One of my favorite ways to come home to myself is to practice breathwork. When I focus on my breath, I immediately arrive in my body, in the present moment — and it’s such a relief.