Reflections from a Sacred Place

…That moment when you look out at nature and remember you are a part of something much greater than your individual life and all the dramas that play out on the stage you’ve created.

I felt led to visit the Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center in Marriotsville, MD, to meditate and clear my thoughts. I’ve come to these prayer-filled grounds for years, to walk the labyrinth, experience the zen garden or just get some quiet time away from the city. Here, I go within, de-stress and reconnect with the Divine in this wooded, tranquil space.

With the trees blowing in the warm wind against the backdrop of the blue sky, I am keenly aware of the perfection that surrounds me. I am aware of order.

A raven soars above. The breeze is perfect. Not too warm or too cool for me in my summer dress.

Chirps and buzzing fill my ears, yet my fear of insects has subsided as I sit on a wooden bench overlooking the forest. I hear rushing water in the distance and I become aware that the tension I once held in my abdomen is gone.

 I envision myself surrounded by and filled with divine white light, that begins at the center of the universe and goes deep into the earth below my feet. Sacred energy flows through my consciousness as I move into a state of expanded awareness.

I am immersed in a sea of beauty. I leave this place feeling much lighter and more aligned with Spirit than I did when I arrived.

As my mind begins its trek Sunday evening, shifting its focus from the weekend to prepping for the week ahead, I am thankful that the gift of imagination can propel me back here whenever I get ready.

I will return to this sacred place in consciousness this week as I dash between meetings, push to meet deadlines and navigate rush hour traffic. The principles of peace, beauty and harmony I’ve experienced here I will remind myself of often as “life” bombards me in the days to come.

And though you were not with me, I invite you to pause as well this week from time to time. Take a moment to detach and breathe deep, intentional breaths. Close your eyes and allow your consciousness to take you someplace serene-- like the one I described today, or one of your own making-- where you can ground yourself and be reminded that there is something greater to which you are, to which we all are, connected. And all is truly well.