Sanctuary at Christmas

John O’Donohue remains one of my favorite writers and quite a remarkable theological philosopher. Just a magical man — he believed that ancient wisdom could offer nourishment for the spiritual hunger we experience in our world. I came across this passage from him and felt that it was just perfect for today as many of us celebrate the Christmas holiday. 

“At Christmas, time deepens. The Celtic imagination knew that time is eternity in disguise. They embraced the day as a sacred space. Christmas reminds us to glory in the simplicity and wonder of one day; it unveils the extraordinary that our hurried lives conceal and neglect. We have been given such immense possibilities. We desperately need to make clearances in our entangled lives to let our souls breathe. We must take care of ourselves and especially our suffering brothers and sisters.” 

Isn’t the the truth? 

When was the last time we consciously make room to let our soul breathe? 

If you’re anything like me, it’s been a hot minute. I’ve been rushing around like a crazed woman, preparing for the holidays, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, making lists and tying ribbons on everything that isn’t moving. I would like room for my entire being to breathe, honestly. Maybe you would too. 

I would also like to allow myself the grace to really sink into this day, this glorious day of wonder and love. I would like to experience the extraordinary and embrace this day as a sacred space. That sounds like sanctuary to me — as an active practice. We slow down, breathe, relax and allow ourselves to show up to the present moment, which we will find contains the exact magic we’ve been seeking. Join me? 

With love and gratitude,

Lisa