Journal of Sacred Work

Note: This essay is devoted to Doreen Chesebro & Diane Barrows, Mission Services Directors who just retired after many years of dedicated service in healthcare.

Both Diane and Doreen have exemplified for me (and others) how to nurture the sacred in our work and love in community through their reverence of human dignity and acts of compassion.

This week, I have been reflecting upon the meaning of sanctuary. Often, I have thought of sanctuary as a meditative practice in a deeply personal realm.  Images come to mind of the inner chamber of one’s heart and the Sacred Alter of one’s being in communion with the Divine.

As you enter into your own personal sanctuary, a momentary pause is helpful; for you recognize that the place you are about to enter is Holy. You may wish to set an intention as you cross the threshold. Yet, all that is necessary is an openness with attention to the rise and fall of your breath. As thoughts arise let them float away on the ebb and flow of your body’s natural movement.

We all appreciate the moments of calm that bring relief from the stressful demands of everyday life. You may enjoy the sun and wind on your face,  open fields, a walk along a winding forest path or the rhythms of the sea.

We thrive on connection and our experiences are most meaningful when shared. Yet, old hurts, communication breakdowns and patterned behaviors can leave us feeling stuck in a quagmire. When we let down the mask of our persona and risk letting the vulnerable parts of ourselves to be seen, energy  shifts. For me, sanctuary lies in being seen (not as a saint as my friends sometimes tease) but as I am AND loved despite my flaws.  Sanctuary can be found in relationship where trust is born and love restored; As Erie often extols, in the absence of fear love finds expression.

At times we contract in on ourselves and lose our sense of belonging. Sometimes just being able to name our feelings helps to  minimize the pain of isolation. We are both a mixture of light and shadow but our moments of weakness do not define us. Rather they are a part of being human and when touched by light, are drawn into it. Our inner radiance is beyond all measure; true sanctuary is found within the light of your eyes.

Spiritual teachings point to our One purpose, which is to forgive. The following is my favorite Aramaic translation of the Our Father prayer:

O Birther!  Father-Mother of the Cosmos, focus your light within us—make it useful.  Create your reign of unity now; Your one desire acts with ours, as in all light, so in all forms.  Grant what we need each day in bread and insight.  Loose the cords of mistakes binding us, as we release the strand we hold of others’ guilt.  Don’t let surface things delude us, but free us from what holds us back.  From you is born all ruling will, the power and the life to do, the song that beautifies all; from age to age it renews.  Amen.

 On her last day at work, my friend, Doreen shared this insight (paraphrased), “All that seemed so important through the years, the projects, the doing and accomplishing just pass away and what is left? What really matters is nurturing the essence at the core of our being and this happens in relationship.  This is so essential and bigger than any one person, for we cannot do anything alone. We need each other.”

Erie Chapman shared this affirmation in reference to the Journal, “I look forward to being a continuing companion and support to all those who come here for a few minutes during the week and hope this place may continue to be a sanctuary.” 

I am grateful to Erie for creating, nurturing and sustaining this space, this sanctuary and to Journal readers who receive and give this gift by going the way with us.

Thank you, Diane & Doreen for offering me the sanctuary of your friendship and love. 

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Photos by ~liz