Sacred Sanctuary

by | Apr 27, 2022 | Consciousness, Uncategorized

“People encounter God under shady oak trees, on riverbanks, at the tops of mountains, and in long stretches of barren wilderness. God shows up in whirlwinds, starry skies, burning bushes and perfect strangers.”  Barbara Brown Taylor

Growing up my experience of sanctuary was a tall building with a steeple, enormous stained glass windows, large looming statues, and lots of marble everywhere. There were so many rules in the sanctuary, one of them required being still and quiet. Only whispers were allowed unless you were praying or singing in the mass. When I was there I recited prayers I had memorized and followed the instructions of the adults. There was no laughing allowed, of course, that rule alone brought out the giggles at the most inopportune moments.

I never felt good enough to be in the sanctuary. I was there to confess my sins and my unworthiness.

Today my experience of sanctuary is anywhere I feel connection with the Divine. In the forest, at the beach, or out to dinner with friends. Sanctuary can be playing with a puppy, helping a neighbor, or going for a walk in the park. 

My home is my sacred sanctuary — a place where I feel love, peace, freedom and harmony. Laughter, joy and fun are absolutely permitted in my sanctuary. I affirm everyone who comes into my home feels the presence of love. I am free to communicate with Spirit through my tears, my anger, my gratitude. My prayers are free flowing, joy-filled whispers, shouts, songs and cheers. 

How freeing it is to have the world as my sanctuary. It is such a blessing to feel God’s presence and love wherever I am. 

Where is your sanctuary?

I Can See Clearly Now

by | Mar 2, 2022 | Consciousness

“If confusion comes, take your intellect and dive deep into your pool of peace. Through an act of faith open your eyes and you will see there is no confusion.” Ernest Holmes, This Thing Called You

I was visiting friends on the Oregon coast and I walked a few blocks down to the beach. The fog was so thick once I got there I could only see a few feet in front of me. I left that location and drove a short distance to another beach that was fog-free, where the sun was shining brightly.

There are those days when I feel an internal fog. Confusion, doubt, turmoil. A feeling of being stuck. In the past I would fight with it, as if playing a tug of war to see who is going to win and have dominion over my thinking. It can feel exhausting.

I have to consciously step out of the fog to find clarity. Clarity is always there, I have to be willing to step aside and let it through. Finding compassion for myself I can choose to step through fog. Going for a walk, taking a nap, meditating, chanting are a few of the practices that bring me back to center, back to clarity.

Clarity is not only freeing the fog but tapping into the Divine Wisdom. When I make that God connection something greater is being revealed. Something greater than I could ever imagine is waiting for me.

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone

I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shining day.

– Johnny Nash

Affirmation: I live my life with clarity and wisdom.