The Power of Sanctuary

When you think of Sanctuary, what words come to mind? If you’re like most people, words like “safe space,” “church,” “peace,” or “a peaceful place” come to mind. When I speak of Sanctuary, I’m speaking of a space or environment where people feel safe, cared for and free to express themselves without fear or judgment. 

I noticed that when I created Sanctuary for students and myself in the classroom, students learned more, I was able to teach more effectively, and we all flourished as a community of learners. I went on to establish Sanctuary for all groups that I interacted with, including those in prison, in drug treatment programs, in college classrooms, in military organizations and in corporate America; I got the same results every time! 

I found out that when I created Sanctuary, the body released fewer stress hormones into the bloodstream, and people were able to think more clearly, learn more easily and solve problems more effectively. Further research revealed that reduced stress leads to improved physical health as well. 

The great news is that you can learn to create Sanctuary for yourself, in your relationships, in your family and with those you interact with on a daily basis. When you do so, you’ll see that you feel better, your relationships improve, your family is happier and more loving, and those around you are more productive. 

So, how do you go about creating Sanctuary? It’s easy, and anybody can do it. The great thing is, when you create Sanctuary for yourself and others, you can teach others to do the same. That makes everybody responsible for maintaining the Sanctuary for themselves and those around them. You will be amazed at the results. 

Creating Sanctuary 

Step One

• Create Sanctuary for yourself by putting yourself first. We are reminded about the importance of this every time we travel on an airplane when the flight attendant reminds us to “put your mask on first before assisting others.”  You can’t give what you don’t have! Putting yourself first is also known as self-care. 
• Find a stress-relieving practice that you can do daily, such as meditating (this could be a great family activity), taking a warm bath with candles, spending time in nature, practicing yoga, journaling, listing things you appreciate and practicing mindful breathing. These activities can reduce stress and help you become your authentic, powerful self. 

Step Two

• Create Sanctuary at home, at work, and in your relationships by sharing the concept of Sanctuary and asking others what it would take to help them feel safe, cared for, and free to share their thoughts without fear of judgment. Ask them to let you and others in the group know when they don’t feel safe, cared for and are free to express themselves and what you can do to help repair and/or re-establish Sanctuary. This is an ongoing process that will be well worth your time. 

Step Three

Be like geese and give each other a “honk” more often. Honks are sincere words of appreciation or affirmation. Give them as often as possible to let others know that you appreciate something that was done or said. Honor the honk that is received with a simple “Thank you” or “You’re welcome.” Then, watch the magic happen. Be sure to let us hear your success stories.

Resources

CCDC website – ccdcommunities.org

Follow Tony Wilson on LinkedIn 

Book – “You Are Enough” by Tony Wilson

      – Kindle ebook – 

     – Paperback – 

http://www.mrtonywilson.com/book