Open your Sanctuary Toolbox

What if I told you that there is a sanctuary toolbox? Would you immediately want to order one? I know I would. The feeling of calm refuge and sanctuary available to me anywhere by opening up a box? Yes, please. But interestingly, I couldn’t find a sanctuary toolbox out in the world when I needed it, so I made my own.

What is inside a sanctuary toolbox, you may wonder?

What creates a feeling of sanctuary and supports a daily sanctuary practice? I’m so glad you asked! Here is what fills my own sanctuary toolbox:

  • Candle and matches — lighting a candle creates an immediate sense of calm reflection (my favorite is here)

  • Journal and favorite pen — writing down my thoughts helps me get back to center (there’s a good one here)

  • Crystals — special stones carry energy and I love surround myself with stones like celestite that calm, smoky quartz that absorbs negativity and green fluorite for healing

  • Playlist of sanctuary music — my latest favorite has been “Not Quite Classical” on Spotify

  • Oracle cards — a tool to help me to listen to the soft voice of my higher self (I love those by Kim Krans)

  • Picture of my father — he reminds me of who I am and where I came from

  • Tiny basket I wove from rushes — there is such power in something we make with our own hands, a reminder of focus and applied effort

  • Bar of dark chocolate — nature’s anti-depressant

  • Bath salts — I love a good, hot salt bath as the tension in my body flows out into the water

  • Salt lamp — sitting next to that warm glow is like being near a candle without a flame (they also absorb negativity and help balance the ions in our space)

  • Several books: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore — I love to be inspired and the wisdom in these books has brought me back from the abyss more than once

  • Meditation scarf/wrap — soft, cocoon-like, instant warmth and relaxation when I wrap up inside

  • Peppermint tea bags — mint is centering, relaxing and refreshing all at the same time. I like it so much I usually use two bags in my cup!

  • Sketchbook and markers — great for mind maps, lists, any sort of visual, thinking exercise

  • Post it notes — great for jotting notes, to do’s and getting things out of my head and onto paper so I can move on to other things (like relaxing)

  • Lavender essential oil mix I created — sometimes I sniff the bottle, sometimes I put drops behind my ears and on my wrists, sometimes I dot it into my bath

  • Sanctuary spray — when we developed this personal spray, I couldn’t have imagined how it would change my life with just a spritz!

  • Reading glasses — because 54. I can’t read, write, eat or cook without them and I always seem to be missing them.

  • Smudge bowl, sage and feather — when you need to shift the energy fast, this is the magic tool

  • Tiny statue of Ganesha — with his elephant head, he is the remover of obstacles, the symbol of intellect and wisdom.

I think everyone’s sanctuary box would be slightly different. And that’s because we are amazingly different as humans. But we are also amazingly similar, and there are many things we can all share as common tools — common ways of creating peace around us to inspire peace within. Which of these things work the best for you? What do you use that’s not on this list? Do share in the comments — I love to be inspired.

With love and gratitude,

Lisa

PS: I’ve actually been thinking about making up some sanctuary boxes and selling them on our e-commerce site, but that’s another post, another day!

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Mountain Sanctuary for a Holiday Weekend

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Sanctuary Solutions for Turbulent Times