Psychology of Sacred Place

I recently took a Seminar with the Walkers (Jamie & George, daughter & father) called Psychology of Sacred Place.

After taking this seminar, I believe that almost anything or any place can be sacred. It’s amazing how many different things are considered sacred by people. From nature to man-made things to sports to whatever, there is no limit to what people consider sacred.

Mana is a very interesting film about this topic. You can find out more about Mana in this I View Films blogpost.

Sometimes people need to travel to a what they believe to be a Sacred Place. This type of travel has come to be called a pilgrimage. This type of travel seems to have become popular again. Martin Sheen made a film about going on a pilgrimage called The Way. I also wrote a blogpost on The Way.

But as I said earlier, I believe almost any place can be sacred. In my home, I think my guest bathroom or powder room is somewhat sacred.

Here's a little video I made to show it to you.

Here are a few photos of the items that I believe help make it sacred.

Why is a bathroom sacred?

It's a place to:

• get refreshed
• get cleaned up
• contemplate
• reflect
• be inspired (in mine you can also be entertained!)
• take time for one's self
• express or release emotions

Bathrooms/restrooms are places where people often take space to themselves to release or express emotions. I have often witnessed women being sad (in tears!) or angry in public restrooms.

Below are a few photos to show you some of the items in this room.
 

 

 

 

In keeping with the theme of water, most of the above items are somewhat related to water. The top image is a photo of Mono Lake which I think is a very sacred place. There are various pictures and items decorating the room and a small library which includes humorous books by Gary Larson and some inspirational books too. I've included images of some of the inspirational/humorous books that are part of this small library.

I can usually tell when people are being entertained as I can hear them laughing and when they're very quiet, they are being inspired, contemplating or reflecting.

For those who don't know who Gary Larson is check out this video:

Which brings me to the thought that humor and laughter are sacred!


I feel quite blessed  and privileged that I have this little sacred place in my home that leads people to laugh or be inspired.

 

"If I want to be alone, some place I can write, I can read, I can pray, I can cry, I can do whatever I want - I go to the bathroom."--Alicia Keyes quote