"T ain't no sin to take off your skin and dance around in your bones." Sanctuary Part 3

Part three of consciously finding refuge or safety when things get a little crazy, looks something like this: what are the THINGS that give you pleasure and put you back on solid ground? Part 1 was all about place, Part 2 about people, now, lastly, Part 3--things. What THINGS get your equilibrium back? Is it Music?

"...When you hear sweet syncopation, and the music softly moans...."

Is it food?

"...When it gets too hot for comfort, and you can't get an ice cream cone...."

Is it activities?

"T ain't no sin to take off your skin and dance around in your bones!"

What massages your nervous system back into proper working order? You know my list: Meridian Tapping, running, biking, tennis, eMwave 2, writing (one of the top refuge activities for me), the great outdoors, reading, hugs, my kitty (although I consider "Yogini" beyond a "thing":). I could fill the page! Connect this week to THINGS that boost your sanctuary, your sense of safety. I would love to hear top refuges. Gotta go, do you hear that sweet syncopation?

"We go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong..." Sanctuary Part 2

"...remembered for ever like
shoo bop shoo wadda wadda yipitty boom de boom...."

Have you ever met someone and found a strangely familiar, yet perfect fit? My Tahoe mom describes it something like this: if we were all 5 pointed stars, it would be like your points line up just right, rather than jangle and tangle in an awful mess. Our star points lining up is a perfect Inner Constellation metaphor for sanctuary of person. When you're stressed and feeling depleted who are the people in whom you seek refuge? It's especially important in times of stress to have clear discernment between those who offer comfort versus those who add to your distress. 


A good friend of mine refers to her refuge people as "the committee," wise folks to whom she turns in times of need. Cultivating such a "committee" is vital. I even go so far as to draw from folks in history who have inspired me (IC Truth #2 Energy never dies, it just changes form). Perhaps refuge is found through a departed grandparent, a heroine or a historical figure. Heck, another friend of mine when faced with indecision asks, "What would Frazier do?" 
Finding shelter through connection with heartening people lessens isolation and adds to our resourcefulness. Who are your sanctuary people from the past and/or the present?
"....When we go out at night
shoo-bop
That's the way it should be
Wha oooh yeah!"

And stars are shinin' bright.......Chang chang chang-it-ty chang 

Inside the Absence of Fear - Sanctuary Part 1

In my work with trauma recovery, I'm constantly exploring the importance of sanctuary. Other words for it might be safety or refuge. When I ask folks what provides a sense of sanctuary, often their replies fall into three distinct groupings: places, people or things.

I love the idea that we can self-regulate our well-being and turn around discouraging situations by consciously becoming aware of what brings comfort. Today, I'm remembering my first recollection of establishing sanctuary....

Fireplace
©Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

Little one sits inside the hearth,
inside the dark alcove.
It holds her body and limbs like kindling,
igniting a warm central fire 
in spite of the home and its residents.

She doesn’t yet speak
but discerns most acutely
sharp and unforgiving words
shooting out in every jagged direction.
Tiny body knows—
cold becomes warm near fire,
and so she sits inside the hearth,
wills her bright flame to hot intensity
until she is far up and away,
a wisp escaping through the chimney.

She is not the first bright flame to crawl inside that fireplace.
A tender smile crosses the face of one whose heart is also kindled,
remembering true sanctuary.

May you find comfort today in remembering places that inspire and care for you. 

9-11 Tribute Beyond NYC

As I watch the remembrance ceremonies, I think of the two "North Stars" or truths of my Inner Constellation work:

1) Energy never dies it just changes form

2) Everything, no matter how challenging, has the ability to be transformed

It's been eleven years since 9-11, yet the energy of the tragedy is still very much part of the lives and memories of people gathered at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the field in Shanksville, Pa. It's also a global day of remembrance for the citizens from over 90 countries who lost their lives. Loved ones speak of still hearing the voices and seeing the hands and faces of those who passed. Living reminders are apparent in the children present and the features or traits very much expressed. In the traditional reading of the names, I find myself recognizing transformation. Every single thing is in a constant state of flux--what does 9-11 have to teach us eleven years later?

There's mention of "Patriot Day" established as a reminder to help those struggling with loss and to take care of one another. I know this state of goodness is inherent in the majority of people when a tragedy strikes--it's the driving force for transformation. 

I'm determined today to remember those who passed by seeking every opportunity to be kind--energy never dies, it just changes form. This evening I will end my day of remembrance in my backyard garden. I will turn on my waterfall, clean my birdbath, groom my garden and all the while be awake to the change of season, the interplay of lengthening light before my eyes, on my skin and occupying the attention of my senses. I will give praise and pray peace for all those remembering, and by their very act, transforming 9-11. Everything, no matter how challenging, has the ability to be transformed.