Our homes are the comfort zones where we can relax or at least we should be able to feel at ease in the place we call home. It is the one place where we can take off all the masks of the day and just be. But the world outside of our constructed living space is also our home provided by nature herself. It is our natural habitat.

Respect for the land and the planet in general is still very important in some cultures. In others, it has waned. Nature can have a profound effect on us as does the conditions of our living space. If ever you've been to the beach, camping or skiing you've experienced the feeling of connecting with nature.

When I was young I lived in a country setting where it was easy to settle back and be alone with nature. There was a small pond on the property. When I was upset or just wanted to be alone, I would go down to that pond, lie back and relax. In no time, I would be feeling calm and refreshed.

There are many places throughout the world that are considered sacred. Such sites are credited with the ability to heal. One of the most well known sacred healing sites is Lourdes in France. The Holy Land of Jerusalem is considered by many to be the most sacred city on Earth. Other areas of great energy and intrigue include Stonehenge in England, The Great Pyramids of Egypt, Macchu Picchu and Mount Shasta just to name a few.

Although you may have to go to a sacred site like Lourdes to experience a miraculous healing, you can certainly find peace and serenity in your own backyard. Of course if you don't have a backyard you can touch base with nature by hiking or taking a walk in the park. For example, a picnic is a nice way to relax and enjoy nature. For most of us, it's not often that we have time to enjoy the gifts of nature or a leisurely lunch for that matter. You can also bring a bit of nature indoors. Houseplants add beauty to any home.

Speaking of places of peace and power wouldn't be complete without mentioning the beauty and wonder of a labyrinth. It is said that the labyrinth is symbolic of the life path. Used as tools for meditation and prayer, people may walk a labyrinth for many reasons. Often people turn to a labyrinth when seeking guidance from a higher source. Labyrinths may be found indoors or outdoors. They can be small enough to trace with a finger or large enough to walk through. Labyrinths can be made from a variety of different materials including anything from rocks to fabric.

Another way of bringing harmony into one's life is through the Chinese art of Feng Shui. The flow of energy (chi) can be directed by placing items such as mirrors in certain places within the home or arranging the head of one's bed so that it faces a particular direction. Such actions can help the chi to flow more positively.

Our homes should be a sort of sanctuary where we can escape the pressures of the outside world. Even so, at times, our lives at home can also be a source of stress. We've all experienced days when the phone won't stop ringing, friends or relatives drop by unexpectedly, the house is a mess and you just can't seem to get anything done. Not to mention those moments when the kids are not on their best behavior and disagreements are in the air. This is when we need a sanctuary the most.

Unless you live alone, you need a designated area of your living space to be your private sanctuary. For most of us it is the bedroom or perhaps a den. In order to properly relax we need to escape daily distractions from time to time. Your designated sanctuary doesn't have to be anything special but you can make it uniquely your own area where you can slip quietly into your comfort zone.

You can use scent, sound and color to make your living space a more serene habitat. Changing the drab, dull color of a room can provide a warm soothing feel, making the surroundings more inviting and relaxing. Of course we don't have to completely redecorate in order to more fully enjoy our living space. Be creative. Do you find fresh flowers pleasing to the eye? Are you attracted to a certain type of art? What about scents? Maybe you love entering a room filled with the warm scent of vanilla in which case you may want to add scented candles or incense to your sanctuary. You may want to fill your special place with sweet sounds. Certain types of music is well known for its calming effects. Perhaps adding a small fountain that trickles water would be a perfect touch.

Learn to enjoy the gifts of nature that are all around us. Turn off the television and listen to the sound of the rain, the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. Open the windows to let in the fresh, clean scents of newly cut grass, honeysuckle and rose. Create your own labyrinth; re-create your habitat within and without. Take comfort in your surroundings by making your living space a comfortable place to live.

Darlene Zagata is a freelance writer and author of two books, "Aftertaste: A Collection of Poems," and "The Choosing." She is also a monthly columnist and editor for the print publication Moon Shadows Magazine. Visit Darlene's website at http://darlenezagata.tripod.com or contact Darlene at darzagata@yahoo.com