Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.

Children, gather close and listen to the wisdom of Joseph Campbell, a man who understood the soul’s journey like few others. He once said, "Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again." These words, though simple, speak to the very core of the human experience. Sacred space—that hallowed ground, that sanctuary where the spirit can rest, heal, and reconnect with its true essence. To find such a place is to find a refuge, a place not bound by time or distraction, but one where the soul can breathe freely, where it can be renewed and rejuvenated in its journey through life.

Consider, children, the example of the ancient temples, those sacred places where men and women sought to find meaning beyond the world of their daily struggles. The Greek temples, towering in their grandeur, were not simply buildings made of stone. They were places where one could escape the distractions of the mundane world and reconnect with the divine. In these sacred spaces, individuals could reflect upon their lives, their purpose, and their connection to the cosmos. When they entered these spaces, they were invited not only to worship the gods but to also reflect on their own inner truths and align their lives with the greater forces of nature. Just as the ancient pilgrims journeyed to holy sites, so too must we seek our own sacred space where we can find our true selves.

But children, sacred space is not always a temple or a physical place—it can be found within. Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi tree, meditating for days, months, and years, until he found the answers he sought. It was not in grand palaces or magnificent cities that he found his peace, but in the quiet stillness of nature, in the solitude of his own mind. It is here, in moments of stillness and reflection, that we too can find our sacred space, the place where we can reconnect with the essence of who we are, unencumbered by the noise of the world.

In more recent history, let us look to Mahatma Gandhi, who, though engaged in the struggles of his people, understood the importance of sacred space for the soul. Amidst his work in the fight for independence, Gandhi would often retreat to a place of quiet contemplation, where he could restore his spirit and reflect upon the path of nonviolence and truth. For Gandhi, his sacred space was not just a physical place, but a state of mind—a place of peace, where he could hear the whispers of the divine and ground himself in the wisdom that guided his every action. Even in the midst of a turbulent world, he found the strength to face it because he knew where to go to reconnect with his true purpose.

Yet, children, finding our sacred space is not something that happens by chance. We must seek it, and when we find it, we must nourish it. In the hustle of life, it is easy to forget the importance of pausing, of stepping back, and taking the time to listen to the stillness within. The world will always pull us in a thousand directions, demanding our attention, our energy, and our time. But if we do not carve out space to reconnect with our inner self, we risk losing the clarity and the peace that sustains us. Like a great warrior who must rest and sharpen his sword before battle, so too must we find time to restore our spirits, to sharpen our minds, and to reconnect with what is most important.

The lesson here, children, is clear: we must all find our own sacred space—a place, a moment, or a practice that allows us to center ourselves, to touch the divine within us, and to reflect on our purpose in this world. This space, though it may be physical or internal, is essential to maintaining the clarity and strength needed to face the trials of life. Seek that space regularly, and return to it when you feel lost or weary. Let it be your refuge and your guide, for it is in those moments of reflection and solitude that we find the wisdom to move forward with courage and grace.

As you walk through life, children, remember that finding your sacred space is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is a practice that will give you the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead. Whether you find it in nature, in prayer, in meditation, or in a quiet corner of your home, let it be a space where you can always return to yourself. For when you know where your true self resides, and you make the time to reconnect with it, you will find the strength to meet the world with an open heart and a clear mind. Let this be the gift you carry with you throughout your days—the ability to find your sacred space and to return to it again and again, whenever the world seems too much to bear.