A planter is a sacred container for growth… and not too different from our own sacred spaces.
Sacred containers… what are they?
I use that term–sacred containers–in my yoga classes. I previously used it with coaching clients when I was coaching,, making sure they knew our conversations were taking place in a confidential and holy space. I have also used it often in speaking about myself and healing boundaries in what has been a somewhat challenging year (so far) for me.
When we fly on a commercial aircraft, a flight attendant closes the cabin door prior to push back from the gate. Depending on the plane’s size, a mere handful to a few hundred passengers are then sealed within the plane, staying together in the metal tube until they reach their destination.
Prior to beginning any yoga class I teach, I close the door to the studio, frequently mentioning to my students that they are now in a sacred container, a space that is safe, healing, and nurturing. In one of my classes last week, I directed the participants to take three inhales through their noses and to open their mouths on the exhales and let go of anything that does not need to be present during our hour together: Worries, to do lists… anything.
Then I closed the door. It was almost as if the things they exhaled just wafted outside the studio space.
Back in early January, I had a mini-breakdown, as I call it. I’ve been through some tragedies in my life, especially the disappearance of my husband at sea, and nothing took me down. The definitive ending of a nearly 25-year relationship, though, brought me to the lowest place I’d ever been. For two weeks, I did not work, I cried more tears than I knew was possible, and I created a sacred container around myself that only my sons and my closest friends could enter. I wrapped myself in my weighted blanket each afternoon and just sank into what I called my “healing cocoon.”
Boundaries are healthy, and I’ve added some new ones to my life recently. When you realize you’ve allowed the hurts of the past to steer you in directions you probably shouldn’t go in right now, you can cause both hurt and a bit of drama. As one who values peace, I knew I had to make come changes.
My new “sacred container” is one that’s long overdue. It is focused on me and my path forward, along with staying closely tethered to my children and grandchildren. I’ll refrain from sharing what my space includes, but just know it’s a full commitment to healing from past trauma and hurts. You’d think as a certified grief coach that I would have practiced what I have preached, but as a dear friend told me last week, it’s different when it’s your own journey. I get it.
Sacred containers are not physical objects but rather, decisions to construct an invisible boundary that is safe and healing around us as we recover, process, learn, and yes, grow.
I’m not wrapped in sackcloth. I’m out in the world working and enjoying friends. I am editing my next book, and I am clearing out my home in order to begin my next chapter.
If any of my words here speak to you on your own journey, think about what you can do do build your own sacred container. I honestly wish I were coaching now because I would love to help you do that. Once I feel I am ready to exit my healing space, I may very well return to coaching, but that’s something else I am processing.
Protect your heart, your health, your relationships.
And know that healing really is possible… we just may need a sacred container to allow the magic to happen.
Amy Walton finds healing in any physical activity, writing, worship, and being in nature. She recently added hot yoga to her own new sacred container where she’s breathing, moving, and sweating out a lot of “stuff.” Connect with her at amywaltoncoaching@gmail.com.