On a path with heart, there are times when we need to seek sanctuary for introspection and reflection. In its original meaning, a sanctuary was a sacred place such as a shrine or house of worship. It was a place where you felt at peace, centered, and whole. Over time, the term has evolved into any place where one feels safe.
In my life journey, I have found sanctuary in a clearing in the woods, a monastery in Vermont, a stone overhang in the southwest desert when hiking with our oldest son and his wife, and in numerous churches, cathedrals and Quaker meeting houses. Each of these places had a special spirit to them. It was not just the words that were spoken in these places as much as the gathered feeling to the space and the people who came together within it.
And when that gathered feeling happened within these sanctuaries, we sat in silence. We, individually and collectively, reflected, listened, and regained perspective. This happened because we practiced being still, not doing stillness. It began by taking our foot off the accelerator and giving ourselves permission to rest, reflect, and recover. We unplugged and sought mental stillness. The result was that we had time and space for sacred stillness and sacred connection.
But on a path with heart, I also have learned that there are sanctuary people. These individuals through the depth of their listening and ability to be 100% present to the moment create safe, and ultimately sacred space for sharing and dialogue. And the resulting connection with these individuals is transformative.
The key I have learned over time is that I need to seek out these places and these people on a regular basis. I need to make time for them and I need to commit to being with them. For it is the introspection, reflection and sharing over time that makes these sanctuary places and people so special and meaningful.
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