What is Sanctuary?

I think of a safe place, where I am welcome exactly as I am. No need for performance. I can set down my burdens and extend my legs and catch my breath.

I notice what’s happening around me because for just a moment, I can let down my guard. No need to scan for danger.

I think of entering an ancient space, with cool walls and floor and with a cozy place to lie down. I think of a community sanctioned spot, a chapel, a temple, a park, or a safe house, a friend who is always home and has something cooking.

I know the people in the sanctuary are holding a space for me and devoted to a higher consciousness than we what I live in during much of life. I know the space is one that was created for safety and for aligning with a Higher purpose that includes compassion for the human experience and reverence for the sacredness in each of us.

I have the image of grandmothers taking me in, washing my brow and comforting me, caring for my wounds. Protecting me. A place to go when no one else understands. Here, they hold space for me to love myself again. Here, I surrender the need to know what the future holds and the notion that I must be in control.

Instead, I rest in a space of openness- to learn, rest, heal, care, and be.

 

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Showing 4 comments
  • Linda Griesel
    Reply

    Can I meet you at your sanctuary, Kelly? My definition was a list of words: safe, quiet, probably part of nature, a place to know me – to be me, a place with friends who get me, a place that’s always open…

    • mm
      Kelly Inselmann
      Reply

      I would definitely meet you there Linda!

  • Susan Jackson
    Reply

    Thank you for this, Kelly!

    • mm
      Kelly Inselmann
      Reply

      Of course Susan!

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