“Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” – Hermann Hesse
This week Xenia from Tranature.com is challenging us to share our thoughts about our Sanctuary, where we find it and how we create our place of calm and healing. Be sure to check out her blog.
My Sanctuary is a place I can visit either literally or figuratively. It is a brief retreat from a daily routine plus ever changing events I cannot control. The importance of a personal sanctuary is to create a balance between a hectic lifestyle and a time to relax and clear my mind. I feel the necessity to cultivate an inner peace where my mind is free to wander and generate creative, positive thoughts. Having this balance establishes stability in my life.
“Look deep into nature, and then we will understand everything better. There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not Man the less, but Nature more.” – Lord Byron
Marsh grasses sway in a slight breeze while the sunlight casts beautiful rippling reflections on the water. All while standing on the shore watching the gently flowing current and absorbing the sounds of nature. This is one of my sanctuaries. (You are able to double click each image to view in full screen.)
“Nature has a way of calming your physical body, bringing peace to your busy mind, & filling your soul with the essence of the Universe. Ah, Nature, you truly are my sanctuary.” – Sandra Watson
Visualizing my sanctuary is just as valuable as being there in person. Colors play a big role; green is a restful and quiet color. It is one of the most beautiful and comforting colors because it symbolizes nature. It creates harmonious feelings that can diffuse anxiety and helps one stay calm and refreshed. Pink is another color that promotes tranquility and peace.
“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.” – Eleonora Duse
Peaceful, calm and gentle, blue has tremendous power to manage stress. It is a very soothing color. It has been proved that it helps calm the mind, slow down your heart rate, lower your blood pressure and reduce anxiety.
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.” – Wyland
Visualizing shades of blue along with beige colors and gentle curves in the sand created by the tide create a feeling of peacefulness and rhythm.
“Nature has a way of calming your physical body, bringing peace to your busy mind, & filling your soul with the essence of the Universe. Ah, Nature, you truly are my sanctuary.” – Sandra Watson
As you can see, even a squirrel needs to find his sanctuary and relax after a busy morning! 😉
“Remember, the entrance door to the sanctuary is inside you.” – Rumi
Please – Stay Well, Stay Safe and Be Kind to Others!