Welcoming Yourself to Sacred Spaces

Can spaces that are curated for the purpose of religious devotion and prayer benefit the rest of us?

Do we feel able and welcome in these spaces to contemplate, meditate or express ourselves in our own unique ways?

On a recent trip where I was living in the Austrian Alps, I explored these questions when I accidentally discovered an isolated and calm Catholic chapel.

I often find myself being intrigued by churches, chapels and other religious spaces, especially when I travel. Whether it's the cute green and red steeples of Austrian churches, or the blinding glitzy gold altars of Rome - I often feel both extremely turned off and yet so drawn in...

Let us return to this calm Catholic chapel that's surrounded by snowy mountain tops for a minute...

One thing I felt was an immense awe at the way the architecture made me feel so connected to the beauty of the landscape outside, but also the thirst for that same still, simple beauty within my inner landscape. The colours of the stained-glass windows (or Buntglasfenster if you want to really immerse in the Austrian culture with me), were dappled in streak across the cold marble tile. Little windows provided snapshots of snowy mountain peak and flying, squawking ravens. No thought of religion crossed my mind in this space - I just felt grateful, mindful, still. I had a deep urge to pray or meditate or pay some kind of homage to the gift of peace this space brought me.

Sacred spaces quite often take me out of my own world and remind me of all the many people that have been in this very room, offering their own prayers and thoughts, depending on their needs in that very moment. No moment like it again. No impact quite like it again. Sorrow, joy, tears, quiet, anger - so many emotions had swirled around this chapel space before me, and will after me. Wow. I find that so inspiring and encouraging, but also it makes me feel less alone. For many, it was not religion that brought them here, but a human need, desire, challenge (or an accidental discovery in my case!).

I know many of us have been really hurt (and even traumatised) by religion, and the spaces where it is practiced can make us feel sick to our stomach. For some who have never had any connection with a religion, and do not desire to in future, sacred spaces can still feel unwelcoming and daunting - how do I behave? Who am I supposed to be here? What do I wear? Will I be judged with my tattooed body? (this one use d to be a repetitive voice for me).

But, when we remember the humanity of us all, and how we all crave and benefit from feelings of peace, solitude, contemplation, meditation, it can become freeing. We can feel welcome in any space - religious or not. These spaces were created to be used for prayer - why should it matter what this looks like for us? Give yourself permission to listen to that desire that draws you to a sacred space, and to be curious and explore it. Maybe you might like to go and just be in that space, or perhaps taking a journal with you or some headphones to plug into a meditation or piece of music, may be of use. Do whatever makes you most comfortable.

Here are some questions/prompts for you to consider that may be useful when you explore a sacred space, new or old:

• What feeling, struggle, challenge, person, belief, or need led you to this space?

• What colours, textures, images, smells are showing up for you in this space? Let your senses come alive!

• What would you like to walk away from this time feeling, sensing, knowing, being?

• How does the divine show up for me? What do I feel encapsulates my spirituality? (This may be the first time you've ever considered this question. Be gentle on yourself if so, and keep an open-mind and open-heart as to what comes up for you).

• Is there a person who I want to offer my prayers for, show my gratitude to, have a conversation with, or connect to?

• Would I benefit from noticing my breath and taking deeper, fuller breaths to calm my nervous system? (See my posts on breath-work elsewhere in my blog).

• Would I benefit from bringing in other spiritual practices here, such as aligning chakras? Holding a crystal or stone? Sitting in a yogic pose (if you feel comfortable and able)? Sipping on a tea for grounding and mindfulness?

These are just some ways to engage with a sacred space to harvest some peace and presence for yourself. If you have any questions or want further support exploring your spirituality, experiences of spiritual abuse/trauma, or mental health, please do get in touch with me via my contact page. I would love to provide 1:1 support for you to live a more easeful life!