the Sanctuary

It's been about a year since I've celebrated holidays in the traditional way. I smile when I think back to all the amazing moments I've experienced. However, I've learned throughout the course of the year, that I can't be stuck in old thought patterns with the way things "used to be." It's a new life and a new world for me. Time to embark on new journeys.

In society, there is a great deal of emphasis placed on how holidays are celebrated, dictating what's socially acceptable. It has us programmed and conditioned to believe that there is only one way to celebrate holidays and our religious practices, usually through very traditional means and the "way it's always been". These thoughts caused me to reflect and question what is the most meaningful way for ME to honor this special day. Do I need to celebrate the way I've always have? Low and behold I received my answer quickly as I felt a tug inside telling me to go my own way...

The Spring season and the Easter holiday are very rich in symbolism. It is time for new beginnings, transformation and forgiveness. What better way to celebrate the meaning of this beautiful holiday and season, than for me to step out into the world just as I am. And I did just that. I was not dressed in my Sunday best. In fact, quite the opposite. No makeup, dress, heels or jewelry for me. Just me in my workout wear and running shoes.

My sanctuary was outside in all of our Creator's splendor. There was not a set of 4 walls, no bricks or mortar. No organ or piano playing. No hymns sung or minister giving his/her words of wisdom. My steeple was under Mother Earth's canopy. After taking in all the beautiful sights and sounds of our world, meditating, and giving thanks for all my blessings, I left "nature's service" feeling renewed and uplifted.

I topped off my day with some quality time with two of the most important people in my life: my wonderful children. Spending quality time with them, rich with interesting conversations and a few good laughs around the kitchen table warmed my heart. It was the perfect way to end such an amazing day!

As I look back and reflect on that day, I realize that the guilt that I felt questioning my non-conventional/traditional way of celebrating was self imposed. It is OKAY to go against the grain of our society. By doing this, I am not condemning or making a stand against those traditions I have practiced all my life or the people associated with them. I honor and reverently cherish all of my life memories and experiences and understand that it's all of these beautiful moments that help make me who I am today.

Everyone has their own way of worship. A part of my spiritual practice includes being a part of what moves and speaks to me. This can be through experiencing a moment in nature, listening to a song, looking at a piece of artwork, reading a quote, article or a poem, relating to the people in our world, or admiring a beautiful piece of architecture. There are teaching moments everyday in our lives if we just give way to them.
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Find out more about this special season in Mother Earth's Ode to Spring.