#35 Sacred Spaces ~ Puppies

Sacred Spaces

This summer I started a support group in my neighborhood, inspired by all
the women I have met through my job with child care workers, and based on my
experience with peer counseling. I wanted a group that would cross barriers
of class and race, where women would listen deeply to each other and be
supported in moving forward with life goals.

I spent time cleaning so the environment would be welcoming. I left work
early to be unrushed and fully present. I brought fresh mint from my garden
for the ice water. My friend brought flowers. I talked about the precious
gift of listening that we can give each other. I set up moments for us each
to appreciate that gift. Reflecting on all these things, I realize that I
was creating a sacred space, building a container for an experience that was
more centered than our ordinary day-to-day lives.

During this same time I have been grieving over the ending of a three week
vacation my family had with dear friends in Poland. The defining element of
my experience there was the irresistible invitation to be fully present with
and open to those people and the environment around us. In a way, the whole
trip was a sacred space. My attention is pulled to what I can do to
maintain that openness with those people—-and to create more of that kind of
space in my daily life.

For many of us, a religious service is the container for a sacred space. It
provides rest and refreshment, anchors us in goodness. I’m still learning
to do the preparation as an individual member that helps keep the container
strong. And we all have much to learn about extending that container
beyond the sanctuary itself.

As I frame the question, other pieces fall into place. It took me a while
to realize the role I’ve played in a small family group in my congregation
in creating and holding such a container—-being present, centered and
welcoming. I think of the discipline I try to use on the trolley. When I
remember to offer a silent prayer of blessing for each person as they get
on, my life goes better. And there are all the times I give someone my
full and undivided attention, focused on reaching for the very best in them.

After realizing what I had been doing very methodically and intentionally
(if subconsciously) with my support group, and in these other ways, a
question came up at work about the monthly gathering of our child care
workers economic justice campaign. We had been experimenting with
different forms—-straight business, training, social hour—-and hadn’t quite
gotten it right. In a way, we were bumbling toward the same idea. What
would it mean to make that a sacred space? I would have to be more
intentional. It would require stepping out of the busy/work/task mode, and
focusing on being relaxed and fully present to each person. I think it
could be done; I think it would make a difference.

Now that I get the concept, I see the potential for so much more. I’m left
wondering if there’s any limit. At home, with family or dishes, at work,
with friends, on the street—-where are the unformed sacred spaces waiting to
be called into being?

Pamela Haines
Philadelphia
8/05



Puppies

These young people
Have taken the world on their shoulders.
Already leaders, teachers, mentors,
they see great need,
look for their place.

Yet here
they play
like puppies.
Day in and day out
on the river,
in the woods.
they romp
rush and attack
chase and catch
nuzzle, play
curl up close
sleep in piles.

They are wild to be together now,
with nothing on their shoulders
but each other, soaking up connection
in endless laughter and play.

Pamela Haines
Philadelphia
8/05