Just hearing the word “sanctuary” is enough to put us almost immediately into “vacation mode” or a state of relaxation. For us, a sanctuary is a place where we feel at peace and completely connected to our surroundings.
We often think of it as a sacred place, perhaps even located in a distant country or a far-off city or town, where the setting, the people—or even the combination of the two, or the absence of one (the people...)—helps us focus on what’s important to us.
Our sanctuary is a place where we are at peace with ourselves. But it doesn’t have to be that far away or difficult to reach quickly; nor does it require a several-hour plane ride, climbing a mountain, or reaching a place inaccessible by car.
Our sanctuary can be something as simple as our own home. At home, we end up feeling safe, centered, and with no need to seek comfort beyond what we already have there. It’s comforting to return every day to our starting point. Coming home usually means the end of a workday—or even a day filled with problems or challenges that we weren’t able to handle as well as we’d hoped.
It’s a place where we have our room, our bed, and our pillow. There are few situations in which these small things mean so much and are so important—both physically and mentally—to our recovery.
Only by getting a little rest, or having a moment where we’re simply at peace—without worrying about doing something or failing to do it—can we find peace and restore our energy in an almost magical way.
It’s happened to me a few times—having a couple of days off, usually two or three, with nothing planned. No trip, no specific plan to follow. No activities, no trip to the movies, not even a visit to that friend I haven’t seen in months… It feels so good to stay home.
And what about you? How do you feel about your “little corner”? How do you feel about your home, and what feelings and emotions does that simple idea evoke in you?
Or are you one of those people who, on the other hand, aren’t the least bit interested in spending more time at home than is absolutely necessary? And do you do everything you can to keep yourself busy all the time and to arrange meals out?
I wish you all a great weekend. This weekend I’ll be doing some extra work at my club. I’m sure I’ll have a chance to share something with you all in the future.
Image by Hans from Pixabay
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