This week: Creating Your Own Sacred Space Edited by: SophyBells More Newsletters By This Editor
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Hi, I'm SophyBells ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book Finding Your Religion, compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred. |
ASIN: 0997970618 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 14.99
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We have a small "sunroom" in our home that has two "walls of windows" facing west and north. The windows overlook our backyard, and the yards of our neighbors, which are filled with beautiful mature trees. Squirrels sometimes relax on our deck railing just a few feet from the windows, while the bird feeders in our large sugar maple bring many avian visitors - cardinals, finches, sparrows, downy woodpeckers, blue jays, just to name a few. A hummingbird feeder still hangs from our deck, an oasis for the straggling migrators, and the last of the monarch butterflies float by, seeking nourishment before their trip south.
The room is sparsely furnished - in part because it is a small room, and in part because we want to keep it simple. There is no television - no electronics of any kind unless we bring a laptop or cell phone into the room (which we rarely do). There is a love seat that faces toward the western windows, and an electric fireplace with dancing, artificial flames, which helps heat the room during the colder months. And there is also a small drop-leaf "table for two" with two chairs, where we eat lunch together every day (ever since COVID kept us working from home) and play a game of cribbage.
The top of the electric fireplace has a wooden shelf or table-top (probably meant for a television), and it is there we have created an altar - a holy space in this simple, beautiful room. It currently holds a few red rocks from the southwest (one shaped like a heart), two candles, an angel made by a friend, a healing stone, pink quartz, a cardinal feather, and a photo of my parents. We add things as they seem right to be included. There are twinkly lights woven among the items, so they can also be enjoyed at night without harsh overhead lighting. This room, this altar, are a sacred space in our home - a place for contemplation, meditation, bird watching, napping, writing, reading, sharing conversation - whatever we need to fill our souls.
No matter your spiritual tradition, creating a sacred, holy space place in your own home will help you find inner peace and balance right in your very own dwelling place. A holy place is one that is set apart, different than the other spaces in our life (which our sunroom is). To make an altar in your own home, find a room, or even just a corner of a room, or a coffee table or book shelf or piano top - whatever it is, create a sacred, holy, spot that will not be used for other daily activities. Decorate your space with objects that have special meaning for you, that provoke your senses - a photo of a loved one perhaps, some incense or a candle, special rocks or shells from the beach, a pinecone or piece of driftwood - whatever feels right to you. And then spend some time in that sacred space - once a day or more, even briefly, as a way to nourish your spirit and speak to your soul.
I spend many hours in our sunroom - away from the television, ringing phones, and everyday distractions. It is a place of rest, peace, and renewal for which I am very grateful to have.
Reply to this newsletter and let me know about if you have a sacred space in your home.
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Below you'll find some spiritual offerings from other WDC members. Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review. If you have something you would like me to highlight, please do share it with me, thanks!
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter! https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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ASIN: B085272J6B |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 9.99
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A response from my last newsletter "Spiritual Newsletter (September 15, 2021)" about "Reframing the Picture:"
From Joylife
Thank you for your wonderful letter "Reframing the Picture." I enjoyed reading it (read it 3 times, once out loud to my husband). What a great way to begin my morning. We live near one of Walt Disney's boyhood homes. Right in the rush of early morning, grandchildren come here before school, plan to read your Editor's Picks later. I appreciate the time you spent on this newsletter.
So glad you enjoyed it - thank you for letting me know!
From Elfin Dragon-finally published
This reminds me of the show "Lucifer" that I was watching last night. It was an interesting episode. Up to this episode, Lucifer's mother believed her sons Lucifer and Amenadiel would be helping her to return to heaven using Azriel's flaming blade. She, herself, is gaining her powers back and must leave Earth or risk destroying it. In the end, Lucifer uses the blade to cut a hole in time and space and tells his mother to go through and create a new universe of her own because it would be better than returning to heaven and starting a war with God and her children. Lucifer loved his mother so much, he would rather she leave his universe and create her own than be at war with his parents. He let go of his pain, and regrets.
What a great "parable" and so fitting with my words. I am not familiar with the show, so I appreciate your sharing this story. It's spot on!
From Quick-Quill
Sophy I have been rewriting a memoir. My Search for Happiness. This woman has been led by God all her life. She didn't always listen and endured hardship with a toxic marriage. As I edited and rewrote it, I learned how close God directed her life. God helped her mother teach her to read. She's Dyslexic. He provided a job that led her to be a missionary to children who were in the same situation she had. God healed her of Cancer and is still leading her, and she's in her mid-eighties. She uses a tract written about her healing and this new book to inspire and lead others to know God in the same way she does. He is no respecter of persons and will answer any call. What a blessing it is to read/write her story. God is Good.
Best of luck to you in your writing endeavor - sounds like quite a meaningful task!
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming! Until next time! SophyBells |
ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 5.99
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