Sanctuary

If you are struggling you need refuge. It may be from fear, confusion, or feeling alone. In times like that we may look for sanctuary. This episode has tips for finding and getting access to sanctuary in your life. 

Transcript

Sanctuary

It’s a lovely word.  It can be found in many forms. Wildlife sanctuary, religious sanctuary, sanctuary from noise and busyness…  Someone might say: “I walked into the ancient sanctuary and was moved by the soaring music and architecture.” (or) “The modest sanctuary spoke to me by its simplicity.” (or) “While hiking we came upon a natural sanctuary of arched limbs, and dappled sunlight streaming on seats of stone.” Some modern church “sanctuaries” are just big boxes with minimal décor, while certain small religious buildings are elaborately ornate. 
 A college near me has a chapel built hanging off a hillside, which is a beautiful image of a sanctuary. This chapel is of wood and glass, and though I have never been inside, I imagine it may be comforting and inspiring. 

Some large tracts of land become sacred because they offer solitude and awe at the beauty of creation. The sights, sounds, and smells become sanctuary. A chair in the corner of a bedroom in my house is where I spend some quiet time many days. That space, temporarily closed off from the bustle of the house can be sanctuary. 

Perhaps two things are required for sanctuary: something to get away from, and a space that’s safe and healing. Or we might say, it is a place that protects from threats to the body or spirit. Getting away from something and finding something. In Hebrew literature it was the place where God lives. 

As a special, set aside place, sanctuaries deserve respect. The behavior there should be different than outside. Maybe it is quieter. Talking, if at all is softer. Movements are slower. What is done there is deliberate, and possibly a careful ritual designed to open up to God, to calm the spirit, to awaken awareness to the sacred and divine. 

Common understanding of religious folks is that sanctuaries connect us to the divine, a place to meet God, who is already there. The non-religious seek sanctuary too. When life is hard, when internal struggles overwhelm, we seek refuge. We enjoy sanctuary in whatever form it takes, whether in nature or a building, or in people. 

Sanctuaries often make space for stillness. Though it doesn’t have to be totally without noise, quiet is often healing. Peacefulness is found in purposeful sounds, in commonplace sound. It may be sensed in certain aromas from flowers to incense, from aged wood to stone.  

Take a few moments to apply this to yourself. Ponder the thought of sanctuary. Focus on the word and the meaning, “sanctuary.” What does it mean to you? When do you need sanctuary? Now? Some other time? What causes you seek sanctuary? Is sanctuary either active or passive? Is it a hiding place? Do you find anything there? What light is there? What aromas? What feelings? Have you been there lately? Where or what was it? Is it a safe place, safe person, safe moment, safe activity?

Where or what is your sanctuary? Where are your sanctuaries? How do you find refuge when you need it? Where do you meet the sacred? We all need sanctuary, especially now.