Finding Sanctuary

Finding sanctuary by Julia Jarrell, Spirit Writer

I seem to be coming to terms with identifying and exercising the potential for the joys and pleasures of being who I am and where I am within the many frameworks of this life chapter.

Through classes and experiences in both temporary and more ephemeral communities-

Through making the time to “show up” to a spiritual practice-

I am finding a broader array of options, starting points

within myself to build an inner well of hope, peace of mind,

My inner portable sanctuary.

This feels for me a means integrating the physical and the spiritual,

An activist approach to peace of mind.

I am tapping into another system larger than myself,

though at the same time this system is what makes me who I am.

Not dissimilar from the muscular system that holds me together,

Propels my physical body. If I don’t use it, I lose it,

Diminishing my spiritual capacity for action.

My spiritual muscles need exercise,

So they are accessible when I need them.

I don’t know if I made this principle up or I read it somewhere:

“ Feel Joy Daily”

Recently, I have used a simple personal mantra to initiate movement:

Divine spirit, bring me into your light

Divine source, fill me with your light

Sometimes I feel myself melting into a new form or evaporating into a new

stratosphere…liberating, freeing, the joyous sensations of letting go.

As I designate recurring time and space (physical and mental) to access this spiritual energy, I am expanding my capacity to access a sense of safety and well-being. I can carry it with me into more troubling waters.

Easy places:

My starting place is a corner of my study room, a table with a candle and spirit objects that have meaning for me.

I can carry these sensations with me

-on my deck in the morning, listening to bird song and watching creatures.

-while walking to the duck pond in my neighborhood.

-along the paths at the Wildflower Center.

I find here I am equally at peace, whether alone in stillness or among the chatter and laughter of families and children.

In a recent spiritual values class, I chose these qualities to locate and strengthen inside myself.

-A sense of Joyfulness.

-Growing wisdom.

-A capacity for healing and nurturing.

I see in myself a deep love for excellence and beauty in the world.

Through training and practice, I am dedicated to recognizing and naming the seeds of these qualities in the people I meet and in the situations I find myself in.

I wish to be a catalyst for others to identify and grow their potential for beauty and excellence. I keep relearning that as I hold the mirror of beauty for others, I am growing a capacity for beauty in myself.

Julia Jarrell