Sacred Spaces

Space is an abstract idea until it is individualized. By doing so, a certain value system is self-affirmed, thus becoming a place. This idea of personalizing space and relating it to oneself can be applied to imaging sacred space. The title of this should then be: Imaging Sacred Place, equating it with significant moments. It is only through religious praxis, myths and doctrines are able to label entities as sacred or profane.

My sacred place is an area in which I am able to channel myself both physically and mentally into the elevated skies and the depths of the ground. The positioning of the tree as a central figure in the accompanied image illustrates my ability to create this simultaneous connection. Even though this is a public space, I claim ownership due to the notion of personal attachment to this landscape. It is located between three overly populated dorms, however, it is not a pathway trodden by most. I discovered this one day (two years ago) while rushing to my room. I began thinking of ways to make it back into my room quicker than usual. In this haste, I realized that I never paid particular attention to this unconventional pathway because it was not used. From this day forward I felt a special relationship to this part of campus, not only was I able to navigate from one end of campus to my room in Olympic standard time, but mainly because it was not a spot recognized by many. It was simply gorgeous. As the days progressed, the simplicity of this region added to its beauty that made my eyes smile.

While this space is very much a part of campus, it is my place where I seek solace. This vast tree is one of our Creator's many masterpieces, giving birds a place to nest and offering me a network with the heavenly God and earthly deities. In all of its expansiveness, it provides a haven in which compassion and enlightenment shape my perception of my life, allowing me to build a relationship with various of creation. By acknowledging and evoking the presence of such great compassion by our Creator, I can't help but have this compassion filtrate through my heart.

By me being a witness to this all, with a few minutes of mantric devotion under this tree, I have come to the realization and appreciation that all beings (sentient and non-sentient) are nourished from the same source. There is certain coexistence with the Creator, local deities, and other species, and with my ability of drawing this conclusion, it is my sacred place. My eyes allow me to see this image, but it is through these personal experiences am I able to come to an understanding and believing of my relation this sacred place I call mine.