My Sacred Space

Your sacred space is where you find yourself

again, and again.

Joseph Campbell

Today was the first day I walked solo again since my fall five weeks ago.  It was a matter of stepping through fear, ignoring ego's resistance, and doing what I longed to do. 

Fortunately, it was a glorious pathway back into nature without any mis-steps.  I found myself joyful to reconnect with favorite scenes and sounds.  Neighborhood yards had shifted into fall decorations, leaves had turned, and there was a crispness in the air. 

As I walked carefully and slowly, my body began to relax back into the routine I had followed for years.  My feet seemed confident,  my rhythm was steady, and my heart was held wide open.  I had returned to my sacred space where all of my surroundings were nature's sanctuary. 

By the time I reached home, I was happy and restored.  I more fully believed that I had simply had an accident and that my age had nothing to do with the fall.  I was amazed at how much better I felt to have returned to what had always been so familiar.  I felt nurtured and connected again with my self, the earth, and the spirits that surround ... my sacred space.

Sacred Space

Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.

- Joseph Campbell

Over the years, I have discussed sacred spaces with a diverse population of women.  Sacred spaces offer a place for a person to restore their spirit, discover answers, receive guidance, or simply just to 'be'.

A sacred space can be anywhere.  I have learned of some who have one chair in the corner of their home where they can feel safe and connect with what is holy to them.  Others may be more fortunate and have an entire room filled with books, music, desk with chair, and inspirational wall hangings.  There are some women who deem their entire home as sacred space.  Nature lovers may have a favorite park or a bench in their yard where they find time to be alone with the Divine no matter what the season.  Walking in the rain, sun, leaves, or snow can help focus on a sacred space within where we can celebrate our inner strengths.

Having a sacred space has everything to do with our personal faith or belief system.  It is a place we have been so frequently, we immediately slide into a contemplative mind frame, feeling safe and not distracted by surroundings. 

Many women in particular feel drawn to rituals that are not offered within the confines of their organized religion or desire to experience the sense of ritual in a more frequent and private way.  For some, lighting a candle to celebrate their life or sipping a glass of wine while listening to relaxing music or brewing a favorite tea to accompany the reading of poems and favorite writings.  Catching thoughts in a journal or randomly sketching brings us closer to our source. 

The Holidays are fast upon us with a new year approaching.  Memories of loved ones, career disappointments, neglected goals, and required tasks squeeze us with pressure.  It is important for us to have a sacred space we can visit every day even if just for a few minutes.  We need to refresh and restore.

If you do not have a sacred space, just momentarily close your eyes and visualize a space where you are safe, nourished, and can rest.  Celebrate your self and recall the goodness in others so that you can joyfully face another day.

Shedding Old Skin

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,

so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

The old skin has to be shed

before the new one can come.

Joseph Campbell



It is vitally important for my well being to discover kindred spirits, so that I can once again feel connected, encouraged and supported.  In my new location, I anticipated finding a yoga studio and a writers group, but I was especially eager to engage in activities at the Estuary.  http://www.theestuary.org/

The Estuary (Where mind, body and spirit meet in healing.) offers groups, classes, and individual services as well as a School of Healing Arts.  The integrative therapy used by the staff blends the mental and emotional being with energy and body awareness.

Since living in my new place, I have struggled with fear even though I totally continue to support my most recent decisions.  Fear of the unknown, fear of forgetting my personal strengths, fear of falling off my spiritual path, ... the list could go on. 

Walking into the Estuary, someone warmly spoke up and said "Welcome" ... sincere words that immediately relaxed me.  About 25 people gathered and I quickly found a place to be seated.  Notebook and pen clutched in my hand, I was ready to begin.

The leader of this once per month gathering referred to the  five levels in Kabbahla which is ancient mystical Judaism.  The levels were easy to follow and I found myself embracing her words.  I was reminded about inviting God/Spirit into my imperfect self, receiving the experience and enjoying the oneness.

Slightly guided by a simple meditation accompanied by music, I could feel my inner self sliding back into place.  In the presence of gathered energy, I was able to step back into wholeness, into the true sense of my inner being, and once again feel at home. 

The stress of leaving, moving, and arriving had taken its toll and fragmented my spiritual grounding.   Thankfully the energy and experience with this gathered group helped me to be aligned ... thought, word, and deed.  Once again, I am ready to continue the process of shedding my old skin in hopes of embracing the new!