Sanctuary . . .

A sanctuary is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as either a consecrated place, such as a church or altar, or a place of protection for either those seeking immunity from the law or for wildlife. A wildlife sanctuary is a place where animals behave naturally and live in protection from predators and hunters. Many magazines, websites and self-help books suggest creating a sanctuary in the home. These in-home sanctuaries are usually clutter-free, comfortable, and softly lit spaces. The notion is that these spaces will help us to alleviate stress, renew the spirit, and to achieve peace. All of these definitions and practices suggest that sanctuaries are actual places. Places where we can go to achieve a state of well-being. Who doesn't want to achieve a state of well-being? It seems that we are all always striving for well-being. At the beginning of a new year, we look ahead to the changes we want to make in our lives to help us lead better, healthier lives. USA Today posted a list of the most popular New Year's Resolutions. Among them are drinking less alcohol, eating healthy food, getting fit, losing weight, managing stress, quitting smoking, and volunteering to help others. And why are these resolutions so popular? Because we all believe that if we eat better, exercise more, make healthier lifestyle choices, etc. we will be happier people. Ultimately, when people make their New Year's Resolutions, they are actually resolving to be happier - though they probably don't realize it; not consciously anyway. So the question is will drinking less, eating healthy food, getting fit, losing weight, managing stress and volunteering to help others actually make us happier? Here's what I think: I think we all have it backwards. I think that when we resolve to lose weight or exercise more we are treating the symptom instead of the real problem. Rather than believing that changing an aspect of our lifestyle will lead to happiness we need to change our thinking. We need to believe that being a truly happy person will help us to achieve a state of well-being. Well, how do we become truly happy people? While happiness is hard for some people to come by, its actually a really simple concept. Here's what I believe people must practice in order to achieve happiness:

1. Understand that true, deep happiness comes from within. We will never achieve happiness by relying on external forces to bring us there. Happiness comes from inner peace that is achieved when our mind, body and spirit are nurtured and in balance.

2. Do not mistake pleasure for happiness. We often seek pleasure out and believe that things that bring us pleasure, such as money, food, clothes, validation from others, etc. will make us happy. Pleasure comes from external forces. Pleasure is fleeting. Happiness comes from within and is enduring.

3. Forgiveness and acceptance of others, as well as yourself, is crucial to leading a happy, peaceful life. In the words of Buddha, "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."

4. Be aware that your being is made up of your mind, body and spirit. They are distinct entities that coexist in unity. They are your own personal holy trinity. Nourish them. Make them your sanctuary.

Your sanctuary. Your consecrated place. Your altar. Your place of protection. But rather than a place to go to achieve a state of well-being, your sanctuary IS your well-being. Your sanctuary is your mind, body, and spirit in harmony with each other. Your sanctuary is where your happiness dwells. I am on a journey to create my sanctuary. This blog will follow my journey. I hope you will take this journey with me and, along the way, create your sanctuary, too.