Last weekend I asked my husband if he wanted to go out to dinner or to a movie. He gave an embarrassed laugh and said, “You know, I’d honestly rather stay in.” I chuckled, said I felt the same, but didn’t want to seem boring. He laughed and said that wanting to stay home is a side effect of sanctuary.
I paused, smiled, and ran to jot that thought down in my notebook.
A side effect of sanctuary? I love that!
Ever since I put focused intention into the creation of a true sanctuary for myself and my family, the amount of time we spend at home has definitely increased. As has the quality of that time. But this brief exchange with my husband really made me think — are there other side effects of sanctuary?
I can’t answer for anyone else, I only know what I’ve experienced. I meditate more. I sleep better. My creative output — the unscheduled, delicious kind of creative work I love most — has blossomed and bloomed. Seriously. In the 40-some-odd years that have led up to this day, I have never painted so much, enjoyed my garden so much, baked and cooked with such abandon. I’ve been learning about things that are interesting to me — making herbal remedies and products, reiki, sacred geometry. And why not? I have the perfect place to explore them. A place that inspires me to relax, to be in the moment, to unfurl my wings and follow my curious mind.
But it occurs to me that the most surprising side effect of all is that I am simply happier. More settled. And more in love with the life that I’m leading than I have ever been. I’m not trying to sound like one of those inspirational gurus that promise a life of sunshine and roses. I have had my share of wrenching challenges and desperate days, and I’m sure I will continue to have them. It’s life, after all. And I hope I don’t shock you when I say that it’s a little less than perfect sometimes.
I had a friend worry out loud to me this week about turning 50 and as I listened to her concerns, I realized that I am not worried about it at all. Not one bit. I can’t wait to see what my 50’s bring. If my 40’s are any indication, it’s going to be amazing. And why is that? I can only think that it’s because somewhere along the road to sanctuary, I stopped looking outward for meaning and for recognition. Focusing inward has given me strength, resilience, courage and grace. And in there I have found all the meaning and recognition I ever need.
And what about you? What are the side effects of sanctuary in YOUR life? I’d love to hear.
With gratitude,
Lisa
We often think of ‘side-effects’ as being ‘negative’ – but as you so eloquently point out, they can indeed be positive 🙂
When the blossoms of our being find the ideal environment to grow in – we bloom. And that is exactly what you have uncovered in your sanctuary – it has fired you to bloom – keep discovering, and sharing even more ‘side-effects’ 🙂
Namaste,
-KA
Kumud, I am honored that you read this post. Thank you. I love the concept of the ideal environment to grow in — we do indeed bloom there. xo
I have done the same Lisa. I no longer follow the plastic world of design but follow my world, which now, is more colorful than ever. Please look at my newest blog and like your Sancuary, it me to the tee!
So happy for you!
Thank you Donna!
I know that I was lucky enough to read this post a few times before it appeared here. But I just read it again, and somehow I missed some of the most impactful things you were saying until just now.
No more looking outward for meaning and recognition. This is so big, especially in our social-centered lives.
Finding strength, resilience, courage and grace from looking inward, from spending time in the sanctuary, tending the garden of our own souls. I love this, and I see you doing this every day.
Thank you for the reminder to take the time to put my oxygen mask on first, my love, so that I can truly be of service to those around me.
Mr. Allen, you humble and delight me. Thank you. Love, Mrs. Kahn-Allen.