Monday, November 15, 2010

The Mom Cave


"Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again." - Joseph Campbell


Driving in the car this morning I heard a discussion on the radio about "The Mom Cave." The women were talking about how men have "The Man Cave," aka the garage, or the sports room or TV room - you know a place strictly for the guys. The debate raged as the men called in complaining that women basically rule the whole house anyway, or how the mom cave for most women is the kitchen! Funny stuff, but actually I think they were making a great point. As I was driving I thought, "We already have "The Mom Cave" and it's a lot more luxurious and beautiful than most of those callers were even dreaming of for themselves."

Our Zen-Tents got started in a way very similar to this. As young mothers we were always trying to carve out our own space for peace and quiet. Not an easy thing to do with tiny kids and a husband. We both always had an altar somewhere in our house. This gave us a sacred space to return to when things got a little crazy. At one point we even had a coat closet turned into a meditation room! These were wonderful places of serenity. We filled them with special objects to remind us of how lucky we were in our lives. Small crystals and stones, spiritual sculptures of crosses and Buddhas, souvenirs from special trips, photos, quotes, journals, angel cards, incense, etc.

After years of travel and inspiration, a love of Italian fabrics, visions of India's royal tents and a nod to Moroccan style, the Zen-Tent emerged from our imaginations. The special spot we dreamed of to claim our own peace and re-claim our inner spirits. Beautiful, luxurious and with curtains that close!!

"The Mom Cave" has evolved. We love when our kids or our friends join us there. You'd be amazed how many people can fit inside at the same time. We've had very special moments in our Zen-Tents and we sincerely believe that every mom, every woman, actually every person deserves her/or his own sacred space. Call it whatever you like - just create it and CLAIM your PEACE.

Benefits of Meditation:
It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.
Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.
Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
Builds self-confidence.
It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.
Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.
Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.
Helps in post-operative healing.
Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells.
Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.