Sanctuary

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Sanctuary?’
 
I think it is different for everyone.
 
A safe place.
A place to rest.
A place of protection.
 
They are wildlife sanctuaries, places of protection for animals near extinction.  They are sacred places in the church, a place of reverence, respect and holiness. And then there is the Sanctuary within.
 
These very different variations can come together in you. The life around us can be very difficult on most days. How do you treat yourself as a Sanctuary? You can become extinct, you need protection at times from that which doesn’t bring you peace. You are gift that needs a sacred space to rest within.
 
We can create this Sanctuary for ourselves in our own private spaces. Finding ourselves in nature can be one’s greatest Sanctuary. I can get lost in the woods and embrace myself with a peace that I cannot find anywhere else. Other times when I can’t go anywhere, I create my Sanctuary in the safety of my home with candles, music and space that is only my own.
 
Yes, we must live in our responsibilities whichever they may be. But we don’t need to let them own us to the point we forget about the care of self. We don’t need to allow them to break us down. We come before our responsibilities. If we don’t take the time to protect our peace, then we cannot be peace to others.
 
Our Sanctuary allows us to pause in the comfort of who we are at our core; it reminds us we cannot begin each breath without first pausing in breath and rest.
 
Where do you go to find yourself?
 
Sometime sanctuary could be simply creating a space around you in protection of that which you cannot control. Wherever you are stop, close your eyes, and imagine a place of Sanctuary and regroup in any moment.
 
You have to find what the meaning is for yourself. You must go deep within. I do know one thing for sure, we all need to create this place on our journey.
 
It is about taking a step back to notice.
It is about taking a step back to listen.
It is about taking a step back to see.
And then taking a breath so that we can keep walking forward.
 
What will your Sanctuary look like today?