“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, 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. 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 sacred space and can be anywhere I feel connection with the Divine. Sacred space can be found in the forest, at the beach, or out to dinner with friends. It can be realized when 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.

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty in the world, realizing our connection with the Divine can be a challenge. Try this simple exercise to reconnect when feeling out of sorts. Look around your space and see whatever is before you with eyes of gratitude. Take a couple of deep breaths and connect your breath to your heart. Silently say, “I see Love through all I see before me.” Repeat until you feel harmony and peace in your heart. Extend that love out into your neighborhood, community and beyond. Right where you are is sacred space.

Ernest Holmes reminds us of this infinite power. “Deep within each of us there is a place of calm, of peace and security, where trouble and accidents do not occur, where Truth and Love reign supreme and good is the only power. It is to this place that daily we go in the silence of our own minds to commune with the Spirit that is both around us and within us.”

I am grateful to experience the world as my sanctuary. I feel blessed to know God’s unconditional love and grace exist wherever I am. 

Where do you find sanctuary — your sacred space?