Over the past several weeks I have been contemplating the word sanctuary. By definition sanctuary is a place of safety or refuge. For me, sanctuary is more than a place. It is more than just safety. Sanctuary to me is a feeling that encompasses my entire being. To me it is both physical and spiritual and is the basis from which I build my world. What does sanctuary mean to you? Does it produce any particular feelings within you?

Over the years many people’s lives were saved because of this one single word. It was and is a word of great power even during our so called modern age. Sanctuary today has a somewhat different definition and has spread from the outer world to the inner world of our conscious and subconscious mind. Sanctuary can relate to the way we live, decorate our homes, and conduct our lives.

Have you ever entered someone's home where you just felt comfortable and did not want to leave? Do you work in an environment that makes you peaceful and calm? When you are in those environments and feel something different you are feeling sanctuary. There is an energy that pervades the space and connects both animate and inanimate objects in ways we cannot comprehend. This energy cannot be seen but can be felt as a feeling of comfort, acceptance, and safety. All three are needed in today's world.

Four years ago I sold my office building to a doctor who I had known for many years. Up to that point in his career he worked in an office that was too small and did not feel comfortable or professional to his patients. I knew he was a good person deep inside and knew that my building would serve him well. After three months of practicing in the new environment he told me that he sensed a difference in how his patients responded to his care. He said they felt comfortable and more relaxed in his presence. He commented on how much easier it was for him to work and not become fatigued. I reminded him that when he was considering purchasing the building I told him he would notice a different kind of energy around him. I said patients would notice this and would respond positively to his treatments. I explained the concept of sanctuary and how I create it in all aspects of my life. During my years in practice many patients commented to me about how relaxed and at home they felt in my office and in my presence. It was that gift I was transferring to him to nurture and grow. Because of the presence of sanctuary he has become very successful as patients immediately respond to its presence. Since then he has confirmed these changes to me and is grateful for this gift in his personal and professional life.

I have heard such stories over and over again from other Spirit conscious people. Creating sanctuary in your life allows you the freedom to truly be who you are. You will find you live within a comfortable zone and others will notice it and be drawn toward you. Sanctuary, however, is a tremendous responsibility and is up to you to honor in every aspect of your life. Yes, sanctuary is a special energy that few understand but find it instantly connecting them to the energy of Spirit without any effort, struggle, or disruption of their life. It only adds to their experience and brings them great rewards.

Becoming one with spirit creates the space in which sanctuary can blossom and grow. It allows the expansion of who you are to encompass all you say and do. It allows you to live your life within the Light from which all things emerge. I would encourage you to take the time to create sanctuary in your life. You will create a living reminder of the spirit’s goodness in this world. One thing I do know for sure is that you will never regret taking this step to forge a new way of living.