It can be hard to find a space that is quiet and supportive. The busy, overstretched, and overwhelmed are often searching for this kind of space. Workplaces seldom offer spaces for quiet contemplation. Our homes are often filled with stuff, people, and pets. Creating a “breathing room,” as suggested by Thich Nhat Hanh, may require hours of decluttering and the challenge of setting and maintaining boundaries with others in our homes. (My cat and dogs have no respect for the boundaries of my yoga mat or meditation chair. Down dog with a dog on your mat is a challenging pose expression.)

Ideally, we would have a space where we can “practice just breathing and smiling.” As the Buddhist teacher pointed out, we have a room for “eating, sleeping, watching TV,” so why not have a space for breathing and peace? A space without anger, yelling, and internal and external judgments.

As we work to create an “Embassy of the Kingdom of Peace” in our own homes, we can enjoy similar embassies in other spaces. In my personal practice, yoga studios have served as my embassy of peace. When I started my yoga practice in 2010, I encouraged myself to leave my worries and concerns outside the yoga studio and room. I created a space for myself where self-judgment and doubts couldn’t enter. The yoga studio became a worry-free zone.

In my Treat yo’ self class, I provide opportunities to create a personal “Embassy of the Kingdom of Peace.” I often bring blank cards and encourage those present to write down their worries, thoughts, and other mental clutter. This brain dump activity clears the mind and creates a sense of freedom and expansiveness at the start of class. Creating a personal breathing room and a breathing/peaceful practice takes time and practice. Double sunrise yoga is an ideal “Embassy of the Kingdom of Peace” for me.