Finding Sanctuary
Sanctuary
A consecrated place
A place of safety or refuge
The concept of sanctuary has existed in different iterations throughout history. In ancient times, a sanctuary usually referred to a place in nature (such as a grove, hill or waterway) where people felt especially close to the presence of something divine.
After a while, this concept expanded into physical structures and enclosures that were created as a way of separating a specific place from the surrounding areas so it could be dedicated for a special purpose.
The term sanctuary was typically used in a religious context to emphasize a place of worship or a consecrated area where objects of special significance might be kept. The primary purpose of a sanctuary was to separate a holy place from the profane things of the world.
Naturally, there was a desire to preserve these sacred places, which is how sanctuaries became associated with the idea of safety and protection.
Most societies believed that keeping sanctuaries sacred would prevent the negative influences of the world from breaching that protected space.
In time, people began viewing sanctuaries as a form of personal protection. History is rich with stories of people claiming sanctuary to escape harm.
“Our sacred sites are more precious than gold.”
Phil Emerson, Quechan
The actual noun “sanctuary” only dates back to the early 14th century, but the overall concept has existed for thousands of years.
Anthropologists repeatedly find evidence that this was a universal notion seen across almost all religious traditions and cultures.
Prior to the 14th century, the word most often used to describe this concept was refuge, and literal cities of refuge were established as a means of protecting those charged with a crime until they were fairly tried.
In modern times, cities of refuge can refer to political asylum or places that are hospitable to anyone fleeing from violence and persecution.
In non-religious contexts, a sanctuary is defined as a dedicated retreat that is separate from ordinary or mundane places to help maintain a sense of safety and peace.
The verb “retreat” means to step back or withdraw. This has been widely used as a military term, but in general it is a way of describing the act of withdrawing into a place of seclusion
Currently the use of the word retreat is more likely to refer to a team building event or corporate planning weekend, but this completely misses the underlying message of solitude and disengagement.
An authentic retreat is a private withdrawal into a dedicated and protected space of seclusion for the purpose of finding safety and peace in the body, heart and mind.
“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.”
Joseph Campbell
What does it mean to claim sanctuary?
Claiming sanctuary was the act of purposefully putting your physical and emotional well-being into the hands of a place or organization that was capable of providing rest and protection from the harm of the outside world. This was true even if you were the cause of your own difficult circumstances.
Kenlee’s Notes:
Some items or spaces are more divine than others
A special place requires separation from the ordinary
Sanctuaries should be consecrated for a specific purpose
Sacred spaces require boundaries and protection
It is okay to step back or withdraw when needed
Why do we need a sanctuary?
Every day we are exposed to physical toxins and emotional stress that compromises our health. We are all guilty of poor past or present choices that further accelerate and complicate these issues.
Achieving wellness requires ongoing repair of old damage and consistent protection against future damage.
How do we accomplish this? What resources are there to help us? Where do we find this sanctuary of support?
We will continue the discussion in Part 2
