When I hear the word sanctuary, I’m reminded of a climactic scene from The Hunchback of Notre Dame where our hero, Quasimodo, rescues the poor Esmeralda from certain death. He carries his fair maiden as he scales the cathedral walls and settles in the bell tower. He holds his exhausted damsel in distress overhead and boldly declares to the crowd below, “Sanctuary! Sanctuary!”
But if you’re familiar with the story, that call for sanctuary is violated just a short time later. Apparently, one hunchback’s sanctuary is another man’s opportunity to invade and run roughshod over everyone and everything. This then begs the question:
Can a sanctuary truly be a sanctuary if another person does not respect it as such?
Let’s think about this for a minute. A sanctuary is supposed to be a refuge, a shelter. I sometimes think of it as a happy place where you can feel safe and just be. Yet if it exists as a physical location, then it’s subject to potential violations and disruptions from outside forces, isn’t it?
Does it only maintain its status as a sanctuary provided everyone treats it as such? In the case of bird or butterfly sanctuaries, attendants and staff respect the rules and regulations of the grounds. The safety of the inhabitants is honored and protected because all parties mutually agree to the same terms. Everyone treats the sanctuary as a sanctuary. Anyone who does not is immediately removed and may be banned from the property.
A personal sanctuary may not be afforded such dedication. For example, suppose you have a favorite park you like to visit. You enjoy taking a peaceful walk around the lake. It’s a soothing, calming environment. One day you mention it to someone. Not long after, that person has decided it is a wonderful spot, and now they’re bringing their cycling club to ride on Saturday mornings.
Saturday mornings used to be your favorite time. You would go early before it got too crowded. Now you find yourself dodging a troop of tour de farce cyclists decked in full regalia. (Why do they insist on riding two and three across? I don’t know. And why does no one have the courtesy to say, “On your left” or “On your right” as they come up behind you?) You eventually leave your sanctuary with blood pressure readings that would alarm your cardiologist if you had one.
Is it, therefore, better to create a mental sanctuary, a place I go in my thoughts rather than a natural spot? Is my mind the safest asylum? (Funny, I’ve thought of my mind and asylums before, but not in this particular context.)
If I’m engrossed in an interesting book, podcast, or movie, is that considered a temporary sanctuary? Or would it be better defined as entertainment, education, or just a distraction?
Sanctuary! Sanctuary!
Right now, I need refuge from this deep dive I’ve taken us down. Perhaps I’m overthinking it all. (Wouldn’t be the first or last time.)
In simplest terms, a sanctuary should be where you go, physically, mentally, or both, to rest and recharge. It should be where you can filter out the noise and chaos of life, if only for a few moments of peace.
My home gives me sanctuary vibes. That may sound corny and silly (especially when I make odd slang choices like I did there), but it is true. This sanctuary is known to others, but not many. I control its accessibility and environment. It can be as quiet or as lively as I desire. And I am guaranteed no disruptions on two-wheels! Who could ask for anything more?
INSTANT NOODLES 