Embracing Transformation
A Journey to Sanctuary, a New Book, and Our Mountain Retreat
If you’re thinking it’s been quite a while since I’ve written, you’re right. But oh am I excited to share some updates with you! We have had some amazing things in the works, a few of which I can tell you about right now.
First some background. In case you aren’t aware, this year has marked the planet Pluto’s return to Aquarius. Why does this matter? Pluto is the planet of growth and evolution, and Aquarius is an air sign that welcomes change. This combination can lead to large-scale transformation, something I have been uber focused on during my 6 month hiatus.
Transformation? Yes, please.
Second, a look back. I have been focused on a unique concept of sanctuary and how it can improve our lives for the past 15 years. As a designer, sanctuary is a beautifully crafted space that cradles our body and our soul, supporting us in living our best, healthiest and happiest lives. However, when I consider what sanctuary means to me as a life philosophy, I uncover the real value: a state of mind and being which allows me to operate from a place of peace, balance, awareness and love.
My goal has been to figure out how this lofty and beautiful concept of ‘sanctuary’ can be best communicated and shared with the world. Up to this point, my design firm has been the most impactful tool I have found. It has allowed me to take my understanding, express it through design and infuse sanctuary into buildings and homes, where people can step inside to experience it for themselves.
I have always known that in order to SHOW people what sanctuary is all about I would have to find ways to get it out of my head and into the physical world. I know this is possible because I see examples of sanctuary everywhere in my life: rainy days at home with my husband Philip, flowers and greenery growing through cracked concrete of sidewalks, my neighbor who offers to walk the dogs when I am gone, friends who share dinner with us, the sunset at the end of every day. In some way, all of these seemingly mundane things contain a small piece of sanctuary, and it is my desire to capture that energy and find a way to articulate it so it is easily understood.
Fortunately, I am lucky enough to operate within an industry that cares about how our work impacts people. At the end of the day, interior design is actually about people and the relationships we craft with them.
This has recently led me to some exciting opportunities where I have been able to share the message of sanctuary with others through more than just interior design. I have spoken on several podcasts about sanctuary, and it has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing that people want to learn about how they can inspire peace within themselves has been nothing short of invigorating. It’s been part of what has inspired me to take the next, natural step in this journey of the sanctuary movement and my own transformation: A BOOK!
Are you surprised?
I am so excited. Working on this book, which I intend to be the first of a whole series, has been challenging but deeply satisfying. There will be more to share on this soon, but in the meantime, now you know what I’ve been doing.
And now, a look forward.
On a recent (self-imposed) writing retreat to Highlands, North Carolina, Philip and I stumbled upon a unique opportunity: 7 acres of mountainside beauty, with a cozy cottage on site. We were not planning to make a major purchase, but as we toured the property, we realized it was perfect in every way. It hearkens back to a post I wrote earlier about my dreams for sanctuary in the mountains. The property is even located on a road called Retreat Lane. Yes, seriously.
It’s interesting the way our dreams can manifest when we write them down.
So I leave this weekend for another writing retreat in Highlands, this time at our own tiny cottage. The quiet, the forest, the birds, the stream. THE MOSS. If you have been to my studio you know how much I love moss. It’s everywhere there.
So while I’ve been focused on getting the book started and expanding our business footprint, I will continue my writing and sharing here as well. I have missed it, and you.
Wishing you a lovely holiday weekend filled with sanctuary.
With love and gratitude,
Lisa