On this blog I have talked a lot about finding the space between things, little slivers of time in your calendar that allow you to nurture yourself and transition seamlessly from one thing to the next. Today I found myself at a horse farm, waiting to pick up my daughter, when I began a conversation with two acquaintances who were also standing about. We talked about the lack of air traffic due to the ominous volcanic ash residing high above the clouds and the calm that has seemed to settle over the land. We all recognized that modern day life impacts all of us with the same level of intensity. My one friend complained that his associate is one of those ‘super busy types that crams too much into one day.’ He said he needs the solace that time in between brings. At the end of our conversation, he  astutely pointed out: “Here we are, a carpenter, a farmer and an author all talking about the same thing. There must be something to this…”

I smiled all the way home.

Joan Larsen, a contributor at WowOwow.com, made a most wonderful observation. We need to find our sacred space in which to dwell when the world is too much with us. With her permission I quote what she wrote in response to my interview with Kathleen Matthews. Joan writes:

…taking this a step or two beyond slowing down, I suggest that we have our own sacred space – our gift to ourselves … a place within our home that is all ours.  A nest.  Our own private sanctuary where we can sneak in and hide, pull together our thoughts, relax, refreshing ourselves in body and spirit. 

I suggest one like mine: a door that closes,  a big cozy bed with the feel of silky sheets, the deep enveloping armchair to sink into, savoring this quiet time and pulling together my thoughts.  It is here in this room that we can take care of ourselves, so we can return refreshed to continue the drama of our days – days with the joys and pleasures and, yes, with the stresses that go into them. 

Psychologically, I think it important that we know that we actually have this place of our own to retreat to — for there are many times when life is “too much” and we need the privacy to regenerate.  .  . once again to smell the roses. 

To me, this room is an intregral part of a life well lived.

What is your sacred place in which you can nurture those dandelion-root deep thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know!