It’s a great point. I think there is something about a form of ritual, maybe ceremony even and certainly rhythm if we are to keep ourselves out of the swamp of busyness. Sanctuary should not just be for moments of desperation.
When I consider some of my places of sanctuary what stands out now is the weekly gathering every Friday with a group of women, all older than I, where we bring what has been up for us that week and then together weave it into a group thread of intention upon which we do a sitting meditation. And carry that as a touch stone for ourselves and the world into the week to come. The other is a daily ritual of self massage. I sit in front of my altar, light a beeswax candle and heat my oil (coconut now) in a little candle warmer. Then really pay attention and relax into caring for each muscle, joint and groove, taking time to check in with what is in the emotional space underneath, stopping as needed to tend and wait to hear the heart’s story.
The key is to realize that this is a place for people to find relationship, meaning, and care. Where do we go to find these places? Any "Third Place" can be a sanctuary. The gym, the bar, the coffee shop, a house of worship, or even someone's home. Maybe that is really the key, it is where I can find home.
"Because there is an enormous difference between thinking something and saying it out loud in the presence of others"... Thank you for the pertinent reminder Richard
This is lovely Richard. In a world where we are looking to add so many strings to our bow, I often think we simply need to get out of our own way to allow whatever will emerge to emerge.
It’s a great point. I think there is something about a form of ritual, maybe ceremony even and certainly rhythm if we are to keep ourselves out of the swamp of busyness. Sanctuary should not just be for moments of desperation.
Thinking about that :-)
I think maybe there is a part of each of us that can be a sanctuary for other people. We just have to find ways of making it accessible...
When I consider some of my places of sanctuary what stands out now is the weekly gathering every Friday with a group of women, all older than I, where we bring what has been up for us that week and then together weave it into a group thread of intention upon which we do a sitting meditation. And carry that as a touch stone for ourselves and the world into the week to come. The other is a daily ritual of self massage. I sit in front of my altar, light a beeswax candle and heat my oil (coconut now) in a little candle warmer. Then really pay attention and relax into caring for each muscle, joint and groove, taking time to check in with what is in the emotional space underneath, stopping as needed to tend and wait to hear the heart’s story.
The key is to realize that this is a place for people to find relationship, meaning, and care. Where do we go to find these places? Any "Third Place" can be a sanctuary. The gym, the bar, the coffee shop, a house of worship, or even someone's home. Maybe that is really the key, it is where I can find home.
Thanks for this R. Does The Sabbath help?
"Because there is an enormous difference between thinking something and saying it out loud in the presence of others"... Thank you for the pertinent reminder Richard
Thanks for this R. Does The Sabbath help?
This is lovely Richard. In a world where we are looking to add so many strings to our bow, I often think we simply need to get out of our own way to allow whatever will emerge to emerge.