How do you find or create sanctuary?
I was struck this week with the broader idea of "sanctuary" and it's definition of "protection, or a safe place"; "a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter". It is synonymous with other words like: refuge, haven, harbor, port in a storm, oasis, shelter, retreat, hideaway, hideout.
It might seem contradictory as needles are involved, but acupuncture creates a "sanctuary" for me. It's a space that allows me to pause, regroup from the scattered state my daily tasks and stress may have created, and allow me to receive direct input from a system of medicine dedicated to activating the wisdom of my body that allows my body to rebalance and repair.
There are other places where I find sanctuary that I decided to share if you are looking for a "safe place" away from all the noise swirling around you right now.
Just Breathe: The most accessible one is to simply to breathe. I like to find a quite, warm and comfortable place to sit where my body and back can be completely supported. Close your eyes and just calmly breath in and out through your nose while allowing all your thoughts and senses to quiet except your awareness of your breathe. All you have to do is focus on the feeling of the air flowing into and out of your body from your nose down into your lungs and then slowly and calmly back out again. If thoughts come into your mind other than your breath, acknowledge them but then let them go, come back again to your focus on just the air moving into handout of your body. There is no right or wrong way to do this. You can set a timer for 1, 3, 5, 10, minute break that is set to peacefully let you know the time is over. You can leave the timing open and continue until you feel your body has relaxed and you are ready to return your tasks.
Change your point of view: Sometimes I am just really craving a change of scenery, and one of my go to favorites is spending time out in nature under the big blue sky and a canopy of trees. Other times the sights, sounds, and smells of salty ocean air transport me to a place where all the stress and tension melts away. So, what is your favorite escape? Do you have one? Do you make time and space in your day, week, or month for the beauty of the world around you? I believe just standing up from the desk, or changing rooms, or going outside for 2 minutes can be just what you need to find that moment to pause, to refresh, and make it through the day.
Take care of your self: Make time for a cat nap in the middle of the day, 30 minutes walk, relaxing massage, a warm shower or epsom salt bath, or plan that spa day or golf game with a good friend you keep promising yourself you'll make time for. Make yourself a priority and do it. If you have never experienced acupuncture and you want to find a "sanctuary" that offers profound healing then I know you will find it in the quiet healing space your time in treatment will offer you.
If you are looking for "sanctuary" right now, like I find myself this month, I hope you will consider acupuncture as a good option for a "safe place" that will offer a pause for restoration and healing for your body and mind.
Call and schedule an appointment and learn more about the powerful restorative healing that can happen in the "sanctuary" of acupuncture. www.cultivatedhealth.com