We are Sanctuary.

Safe space, holy space. Where does one go in a time of need? I have often thought about the concept of home and belonging, especially since I’ve moved so often. Some believe home is where the heart is, and yet—aren’t there spaces that we build that create that sense of peace for everybody? A place where there’s nothing to do but breathe and eat and drink and hold each other without doing anything?

There is a space called sanctuary where words are exchanged, but only words that matter. On the walls, there are carefully selected pieces of art that tell a story. There’s a candle lit corner where gently-used books lean on top of each other, and somewhere in there is a wooden table and comfortable chairs that pull you in. There’s a wide planked wooden floor with cushions for sitting and contemplating. In this space, we can speak, or choose to say nothing at all knowing that some days call for bearing witness to our breath. Here, we can hold the weight of our suffering and joy without falling over.

In the sanctuary, we don’t aim to solve problems. We’re being and bearing witness, One-With, conjuring greatness, that may release some mysterious benevolent energy that impacts a child somewhere else, down the road.

Here, we understand the greatest love stories are sanctuary stories.

There is this place where deep knowing and perennial knowledge are remembered, a place of learning and discovery, without having to call out the answer, where mystery resides.

And I do believe that when We are Sanctuary— A Space Grows around Us. There is a place in the real world that we create, where we feel safe, where we learn to hug, even as strangers. The power of touch is real— and a gentle embrace says thank you for sharing, thank you for this safe place, thank you for seeing me.

Sanctuaries are warm and unsoiled, glowing and smelling of the sun even on a cold, cloudy day. This freshness can only come from every day care and tending to the smallest of details.

Often times, I look around in schools and public places, searching for evidence of sanctuary. There are glimmers of sanctuaries forming everywhere and it’s important to remember that people create space with their inner light and discipline every day. We can find them if we pay attention. Humans need these spaces. They are sanity. They are our home outside.