A recent visit to Windsor Castle got me thinking. We don’t all live in such grand places. Palaces and sprawling estates are far removed from how most of us experience daily life. This made me consider how we find contentment and comfort within our own more modest surroundings. It’s in these everyday spaces that we seek peace, where we fashion our own personal haven; regardless of circumstance, everyone deserves a sanctuary, even if it’s just a quiet corner.
Creating such a space starts with imagining it. You have to envision its essence, believe it’s achievable, and then set about making it real. I’m fortunate to have the resources to develop a tangible little Eden in my garden. My focus this year is on new structures, extensive planting, and growing food. But I realise this isn’t the reality for everyone.
I was talking with my Best Human who’s currently dealing with ongoing illness. We were in our living room. It’s a simple space, but the new settee and the television my sister gave us have created a little area where we can sit together comfortably. This provides a sense of ease, which is especially valuable when recuperating. While a television doesn’t solve everything, it highlights the importance of having a space where you can relax, particularly during difficult times.
This situation prompted me to think more about my neighbours, many of whom face considerable challenges. I gave my previous settee and a chair to one neighbour, and a coffee table to another. These contributions are intended to help them establish their own domestic sanctuaries. This outreach is part of my work but it also comes from my basic sense of human empathy and belief that everyone deserves a decent home.
It’s with this principle in mind that I’m planning to plant more flower containers to sit outside our front doors. Our living environment has a tangible impact on our well-being. At the moment, things are particularly demanding; making any space that can be enhanced with beauty or offer a bit of comfort is incredibly valuable. These spaces don’t need to be expensive, elaborate, or luxurious; they simply need to be cared for.
The idea of a personal Eden extends beyond the physical. It’s about cultivating inner peace, finding moments of tranquility amidst external chaos. It’s about appreciating simple sensory experiences – the smell of rain on dry earth, the glow of candlelight, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, the feeling of sunlight on your skin, the smooth texture of a stone in your hand, and making time for quiet reflection; an internal sanctuary.
In difficult times, we all need a refuge, whether physical or mental. A place where we can feel secure and find some peace. This is what I’m trying to create, for myself and for others. It’s not about escaping reality, but about finding the strength to confront it.
It’s vital to recognise our inherent capacity for creating beauty, regardless of our circumstances, our capacity to find moments of joy, those details that make life tolerable, even during tough periods. This helps us to have faith that things can be better even if they seem hopeless at times.
It also involves a sense of community: sharing what we have and helping others to establish their own personal Edens, an acknowledgement of our interconnectedness and the universal need for peace, comfort, and beauty.
I believe that a good space is, fundamentally, a cherished space. It’s a space that receives attention, a space that’s created with care. It’s the intention, the investment of care, that truly defines it. I’ve seen people transform tiny areas into havens of beauty, using colour, plants, and light, exercising their imagination, and personalising the space.
Self-compassion is also crucial. It’s about giving yourself permission to seek peace and experience joy, even when things are difficult. It’s about practising self-care, about prioritising your own well-being. It’s about acknowledging that everyone, without exception, deserves some degree of peace and beauty.
Resilience, too, plays a vital role; finding the strength to persevere, even when faced with adversity and identifying those small moments of joy, those details that make life bearable. It’s about cultivating faith (in the secular sense) even when it appears lost. It’s about recognising that even in the midst of chaos, inner peace is achievable. Faith is essential; maintaining the belief that circumstances can improve, that even in the darkest of times, a glimmer of light persists. The work is in nurturing that faith about believing in its potential to make change.
Small acts of kindness have a significant impact. Recognising our shared humanity and the importance of mutual support is paramount. Everyone deserves a space where they feel safe and at peace. A decent home, a secure and comfortable environment, is a fundamental human right. It’s our responsibility to work towards ensuring that right is a reality for everyone. This extends beyond mere physical structures; it encompasses the feeling of security, of belonging, of having a sanctuary where you can be yourself and find respite from external pressures.
The concept of creating your own Eden, regardless of location, is therefore of paramount importance. It’s not a luxury, but a necessity. It entails taking ownership of your environment, however limited, and transforming it into a space that provides solace. It involves discovering beauty in the ordinary and acknowledging the profound impact that even the smallest creative act can have on your well-being.
For me, this goes beyond a pleasant garden or a comfortable living room. It’s about establishing a sanctuary, a space for personal reconnection and the pursuit of peace amidst life’s challenges. It’s about those sensory details – the tactile sensation of soil when planting, the quiet satisfaction of watching things grow, and the simple pleasure of reading in a comfortable setting. It also involves sharing this sense of sanctuary with others. Recognising our interconnectedness and understanding that assisting others in creating their own Edens enriches our own lives while improving theirs. It’s about fostering a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and has a place to call home.
Ultimately, creating a personal Eden involves cultivating inner peace and resilience. It entails identifying moments of joy and gratitude that provide strength during difficult times. It’s about acknowledging and utilising your capacity for creativity and beauty to transform your circumstances and the lives of those in your community as well as establishing a personal sanctuary, wherever you are.
This is an ongoing process, rather than a final destination involving continuous self-care, personal growth, and the cultivation of those qualities that enrich existence. It entails being present, appreciating simple pleasures, and discovering joy in everyday experiences. Finally, it means accepting what is beyond your control and focusing energy on what you can influence.
Josie Moon 