From the book, Traveling Hopefully, by Libby Gill ~

This was a great chapter! I loved creating the Healing Sanctuary. I enjoy designing rooms so I took it to the extreme and actually sketched it out on graph paper.

It’s been informative for me to see the work I did in the Fall and the work I’m doing now. Last Fall I came up in The Dreamer Who Does. I always thought of myself as a healthy combination of those two. But this time I found myself falling into the Internal Dreamer category. Krista and I even discussed the items and I still came up under 33, leaving me in the Internal Dreamer category. Sharing this made it so much clearer. This may well explain why I am where I am right now . . .

I love the concept of internal clarity and external action.

Krista and I have gained much from Libby’s sharing of her story. We are so impressed with the way she found and used the tools she needed to protect herself, like a closet hideaway. It reminded me of the “forts” I used to make as a child, though I had no idea they were so important to my growth!

We shared very tactile and refreshing visions of our sanctuaries. I couldn’t decide if I was smelling cut grass and hearing the birds of my own front yard, giving me a warm and safe feeling, or if I was smelling salt water and hearing the sea birds and the ocean tossing back and forth. I liked both of them and decided it could be whatever I choose in the moment. Krista agreed. The windows of my sanctuary could certainly have a variety of scenes. What fun!

The two of us decided to post our 5 “Cherished Characteristics” to remind ourselves who we choose to be. I was so moved by this exercise before. I wrote about it in my blog. It creates a simple, but powerful vision. Krista did hers in I statements, where I found it easier to describe someone else.

Krista had a tougher time meeting and greeting her future self. I’ve already spent some time with Alex’andrea. I recognized her immediately and we quickly fell into a good discussion. As instructed, we embraced. She took hold of her forearm and mine and as I did the same, we created a bridge. I felt a strong bond with her. I am so grateful to have her to lean on and discuss parts of my life!

My brother and I are investigating our family tree. In the course of that search, I’ve found a long-lost cousin who lives about an hour’s train ride away. She’s 15 years older, so I grew up with an image of this beautiful girl, free and easy, doing great things. I’m hoping to establish a new relationship with her, getting to know the successful woman she really is.

Krista and I both got a lot out of this chapter. A healing sanctuary to go to whenever we want to, a trusted ally to confide in, and a structure for growth. Wonderful tools to have in our box. Where will we travel next?