Sacred Places

I went for a walk around the lake today.

I am restless. My head has been buzzing since 4am. So I walk.

The wind blows across the lake. It clears the clutter. A little rain washes away the anxiety. Baby moorhens, only a day or two old, remind me of how young these new opportunities are – how much there is to learn, to grow. The vastness of the sky gives my thoughts space to soar, like the ibis overhead.

I used to come here all the time when I was working – an hour of sanity in my crazy, cluttered life.

A truth hits me with the next gust of wind – I can’t go back. I must go forward.

The lake is one of many sacred places in my life… it is my place to clear my head.

The forest is a place to dream. The beach a place to remember friendship and youth – a certain lake, forest and beach. Other lakes, gardens, forests, beaches, restaurants, cities, streets, will hold sacred meaning for other reasons – a first kiss, a major breakthrough, a connection, a moment of pure joy.

What are your sacred places? Why?