SPIRITUAL RECOVERY: SACRED SPACES: DIY (Post 166)

MAY 25, 2024

Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sight of God, takes from you your thirst for spiritual things or increases the authority of your body over your mind, then that thing to you is evil. By this test you may detect evil no matter how subtly or how plausibly temptation may be presented to you.
- Susanna Wesley

Two more, counting today’s entry, will bring us to one full year of Spiritual Recovery posts! Topics have been theoretical, theological, testimonial, and self-testing. The more I write, the more come to mind! Today, Post 166 is very practical … and I hope workable for you. It’s about follow-through and building: keeping our spiritual selves strong and creating an accessible, literal space for prayer, worship, faith-study, and reflection. Unlike the previous entries in our series, the following suggestions are utilitarian and functional – and some, you might say, downright, fluffy!

To begin, I’ll pose some questions that could very well be asked when considering the topic of creating a sacred real space. My home is too small (or crowded or filled up), where would I get the space? What kind of expenses are you talking about; I can’t afford building another room. My family wouldn’t understand such a use of space; how do I justify this?

First, real space can be quite small … and even portable! I turn to Susanna Wesley, mother of John Wesley founder of the methodist movement for a real-life example. Susanna birthed 19 children, 8 of whom were living when she died at age 73. She is known for her faith-filled living and prayer life. Often, I have heard the story of when Susanna felt the need to pray, she would toss her long apron over her head, thus signaling to family members that she was praying and could not be disturbed.

Now, I’m sure that there are some of us who would only smile at the Susanna Wesley Prayer-Apron example … but the concept of designating a particular space for one’s spiritual growth and retreat can actually be quite workable. With Susanna’s example, I am going to start small – in space. Here are several ideas along the lines of very limited space and size, portability, and being storage friendly.

DIY SMALL-SPACE SUGGESTIONS

1. Fill a basket with sacred reading sources (scriptures, books), notebook and writing utensil (for prayer lists, journaling, thoughts, quotes), inspirational pictures and literature, words of favorite hymns, religious symbols, prayer beads, rosary, candle.

2. Don’t have a basket? Try an old large-enough purse, box, tray, shopping or gift bag.

3. Taking inspiration from Susanna’s apron, use a larger-sized shirt/light jacket with pockets (and maybe added-on pockets) to store your sacred-space materials. Given the situation, this could serve as a prayer shawl too.

Portability? Making it so provides flexibility in where you can enter your sacred space. Including a smaller additional sacred space for your car is another possibility. Then too, a mini-sacred space can fit into a regular purse – or even a tiny version for one’s wallet!

DIY MID-SIZE SPACE IDEAS

1. Not everyone has the possibility of converting a stand-alone room to a designated sacred space but a stationary piece of furniture could serve in such capacity. A small table (or even a larger one) placed in a less-traffic area with chair can contain the materials to enhance your sacred-space time. Near a window, the inspiration of creation and nature can be present!

2. A desk, a shelf, or just a specified drawer provides essential space. Plus your computer carries documentaries, clips of legendary missionaries, religious leaders, worship services, sacred music, and preachings!

3. A set-off corner includes a bit of wall space for pictures, framed sacred sayings, or floating shelves, as well as a small table and chair. The corner’s sense of enclosure is naturally built into this pocket-sized spot.

4. The luxury of a nook expands further a sacred space. With increased square footage and floor area, additional furnishings and media enhance the possibilities for inspirational venues and meditation mode.

5. A spare closet: is there such a thing? If so, a door-curtain can provide privacy, if need be. Take inspiration from John Wesley’s prayer life: after praying in his closet, his expression had been known to be that of extreme serenity!

LARGE SACRED SPACE POSSIBILITIES

1. Starting with a stand-alone room as one’s sacred space, the possibilities expand from serving as a minutes-long time of sacred-space to even a mini-retreat studio providing overnight sleeping. All that has been included above will fit in - but making it even more specific to those using this room stretches the adaptability. Notice, I said those, for such a room could become a family chapel as well, open for prayer and meditation to all. Furnishing can be a family project and uniquely individual!

2. Next comes the unattached shed or one room structure set apart from the main dwelling house. Usually, this small building is on the same property as the home and independent grounding enhances a sense of privacy. It’s a purposeful space for meditation away from outside communication. There are many portable structures now available to purchase; and of course, custom made sheds can be ordered and built.

3. Retreat houses, cottages, cabins, and villas provide full-living accommodation. Individuals and families, alike, can have a completely independent retreat facility of their own. They are go-to places as opposed to a routine daily living residence. The possibilities of sacred-space use are diverse ranging from individual/couple/family/multi-generational family retreats. Additionally, the owners may open their retreat dwelling to faith-based events … or to individuals on spiritual retreat.

In sum, I encourage you to create a sacred space of your own – unique to your personal self, spiritual life, and recovery issues. Have it be an encouraging mantra … a spot of peace, serenity, strength, courage, affirmation, reaffirmation, beauty, and a sense of the Divine!

Next month, I will explore outside-of-your-home sacred spaces and possibilities for individual retreat.

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO

Founding Director

Gambling Recovery Ministries

https://www.grmumc.org

855-926-0761

For more information on the IGCCB Clergy/Lay Minister Certification visit:

www.igccb.org

NOTICE! From Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program (IPGAP):

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY IN JUNE!!

Contact IPGAP for more information: 812-855-1237

The Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program is hosting a free 2-day Motivational Interviewing and G-SBIRT (Gambling-Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) skills development training, led by Mallori DeSalle.

Join us to learn how to apply skills to those who may have a gambling disorder or are at risk of developing a problem with gambling.

Breakfast, lunch, and materials will be provided.

Click HERE to learn more and register!

MI / G-SBIRT Training
June 20 - 21, 2024
In-Person 9:00am - 4:00pm Both Days
Bloomington Convention Center

IPGAP is hosting a 2-day, Motivational Interviewing and a GBIRT (Gambling-Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) Skills Development training.

This two-day course you will include Motivational Interviewing techniques and skills to connect with clients, co-workers, and even family and friends. You will practice techniques to strengthen your effectiveness and supporting change. G-SBIRT is a modification of the SBIRT program used to deliver early intervention and treatment services for persons with a substance use disorder. In this training you will learn how you can apply this same tool to those who may have a gambling disorder or are at risk of developing a problem with gambling. '

This training will be highly interactive. Participants will experience group activities, role-play, videos, lecture, and skills practice.

The first round of registration is open to anyone at an endorsed provider whether they have attended a Motivational Interviewing training in the past or not. Those who work for state funded disordered gambling treatment providers who have current clients or are new providers will be given preference if registered by May 22th.

Space for the training is limited.

When: June 20 - 21, 2024 9:00am - 4:00pm

This training is a live, in-person training to be held at the Bloomington Convention Center

Cost: There is no cost.