When I was at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral this spring, I asked the audience what they thought turned the inside of the church into a sanctuary. Was it the concrete walls?
When I was leading walking meditation in the chapel at Seattle’s Bastyr University in June, I asked the people with me what turned the ground under their feet into a pathway. Was it the terrazzo tile?
When I was at a yoga studio in suburban Milwaukee last Saturday, I asked the group in front of me to notice the change that occurred in the room from the time we convened at 2 p.m. until the hour we dispersed at 4 p.m. What turned the mildly restless, self-conscious discomfort at the start of our time together into the vast, settled calm at the end? Into a still and quiet ease so deep that no one cared to move? So satisfying that no one rose to leave?
The answer is you. The secret is yours. The power of your own nonjudgmental attention is what transforms space into spaciousness. It turns your wandering into the way. It transforms your life into love.
And now we’ll do the same in Boston when we gather for the Mother’s Plunge on Saturday, Sept. 18. I’m so pleased that we’ll be meeting at the Seaport Academy, a therapeutic day school for adolescents who need extra attention to navigate the perils of growing up. The students will not be there the day we are, but your attention will, and your attention will transform our humble gathering into the spaciousness of infinite potential. Come see for yourself what the power of your love can do. We’ll leave some of it behind, and you can take the rest home with you.
And if you’re not on the East Coast on Sept. 18, come to the one-day meditation retreat I’m leading in LA on Sept. 12. We’ll turn our attention onto a bare white wall and unleash the wild blue yonder. You don’t have to believe it; you just have to see it.
so anxiously awaiting this – and bringing a dear friend.
xo
Comment by katrina — August 23, 2010 @ 11:57 pm
This was such a beautiful post, and definitely rings true to what I’ve felt and experienced regarding sacred spaces. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂
Comment by Rebekah — August 24, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
Oh how I love you so! One day we will meet, but until then I thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom, your love, your humor…so I may enjoy knowing you even if it is via this little handheld distraction of mine. You’ve brightened so many of my days, Karen. Thank you.
Comment by Cindy Yandura — August 24, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
Rebekah’s right. This is beautiful.
Comment by Mama Zen — August 24, 2010 @ 9:30 pm
woo! fantastic. 🙂
Comment by rachael maddox — August 24, 2010 @ 10:47 pm
I am reading your book, Hand Wash Cold. And reading your blog. And being reminded over and over to pay attention to now: to apply the brakes right here and right now, to drink this cup of tea here and now, to walk this street on this glorious Sunday evening. This moment is the only one, this marriage, these children, this house. Thank you for reminding me over and over to sit here and stare at this wall, this ceiling, this hand, this life.
Comment by GailNHB — August 30, 2010 @ 2:33 am
“The answer is you. The secret is yours. The power of your own nonjudgmental attention is what transforms space into spaciousness. It turns your wandering into the way. It transforms your life into love.”
Those were the words I need to hear/read that last week of August while visiting my mom. Someday I’ll be able to tell you in person how much they helped, but for now, thank you.
Comment by Deirdre — September 8, 2010 @ 3:14 pm