Where is Your Sanctuary?

Welcome to Art and Healing Wednesday!!

We all have special places that bring us a sense of peace when we’re in that environment.  I’m a big water person; love the beach, a river, any body of water that moves gives me a sense of relaxation.  It’s a multi-sensory experience because there’s the feel of the water, watching it run, and the sound it makes as it rushes past me.  Everyone has a place like that be it the mountains, a forest, or some other venue such as a museum, a car showroom, etc.

Yesterday I finally got my act together and pulled out all my sewing supplies.  I decided I’d go to the quilt shop which fortunately is only about 2 miles from the apartment.  When I walked in it felt like coming home.  I noticed a sense of excitement and ease in my body.  There was a change in my respiration, it became slower because I was comfortable and relaxed.  I had a conversation with the salesperson who told me about a monthly sewing group that meets at the store.  Most importantly, I got to look at and touch the fabric. 

So where is your sanctuary?  I obviously don’t believe that you have to be in a building with clergy to have a spiritual experience.  I remember years ago when I first started quilting I couldn’t get in to the synagogue for the High Holy Days (I wasn’t a member and didn’t have a ticket).  I decided to drive to the quilt shop and I sat in the quilt shop for over three hours and realized that was my sanctuary.  It was a place where all of me; body, mind, and spirit could come together and be in alignment. 

You don’t have to be “artistic”, but being in a place that allows you to feel connected and engaged is vitally important in your journey to health and healing?  If you’re a film lover, don’t you get a rush being in a movie theater?  Isn’t there something intoxicating (in a good way) about watching a film on a huge screen with a good sound system?  Remember, this isn’t about a place of worship, but a place that makes you feel connected to yourself on a higher level.

When you tap into your sanctuary you give yourself a gift.  You provide your body, mind, and spirit with a place of safety and security.  It’s a place you feel like you belong and that bring you joy.  It’s a place where you’re able to let your defenses down and gives your body a period of time where it doesn’t have to be on alert because this sanctuary is a safe place. 

I have to say I feel the same way about bookstores, new or used doesn’t matter.  The feel of a book, the smell of a book is soothing.  The selection keeps me engaged and although I don’t have to “play” with anyone else while I’m in that sanctuary; I’m aware that  everyone there enjoys the same thing…there’s a sense of community, with an individual twist.

I hope you find a place you can claim as your sanctuary.  I’d love to hear where your is, leave a comment and let’s see all the sanctuaries in our community!