What I dream of is…a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.

~Henri Matisse

Do you long for cozy, pine-scented evenings? Lazy afternoons on a sun-drenched beach? Early morning strolls through a hillside meadow?

You may have a special getaway spot, a favorite retreat. But trips there occur far too infrequently to provide year-round relief from routine obligations.

There is a place you can visit anytime the need arises. Shakti Gawain, in her book, Creative Visualization, refers to this place as a sanctuary, an “ideal place of relaxation, tranquility and safety”. It requires no materials and costs only a few minutes of your time. It also goes wherever you are, because it exists within you, once you create it.

Why not make your own micro-vacation right now? Close your eyes and take a couple of slow, deep breaths. Imagine a place you’d like to be—anywhere that makes you feel good when you think of it. See yourself there. Breathe in the scents. Take note of the colors. Listen for sounds that soothe. Add any objects that make it comfortable and safe enough for you to be completely as ease. Enter joy. And relax. You are free here.

When you are ready, open your eyes and carry on. You can return to your sanctuary whenever you like, and make any changes to increase the peace.

I am now relaxed and revitalized, ready to face the rest of my day.