Welcome back to the . . . Sanctuary . . . where once a week – on Fridays – I aim to preserve my sanity. And maybe yours, too. If you missed my inaugural Sanctuary post (the one where I explained all this), you can find it here.

So. What have I got for you this week?
Four things . . .  Something to inspire. Something lovely and joyful. Something to slow you down. And something to rev you up.

Ready?

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Something to inspire . . .

Last week, this snippet from an interview with U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (Delaware) popped up in my Instagram feed. Take a moment to listen . . . and let her poignantly remind you that we can do this. Just like generations before us.

“If everyone has just a little bit of courage, then no one has to be the hero.”

We’re all in this together. Be brave. Speak up. It’s our only way forward.

(And . . . there are lots of marches/protests planned this weekend around the country – including one here in Kalamazoo tomorrow. Check this site to find out if there are any near you. Make a sign! Get out there and represent! It’s empowering — and important.)

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Something lovely and joyful . . .

Photo by Maya Pontone/Hyperallergic

I subscribe to a weekly newsletter from Hyperallergic, a contemporary arts news organization. A couple of weeks ago, I was transfixed by an article describing this commissioned installation now gracing the walls of the New York City subway system. It’s a stunning, 600-square-foot glass mosaic mural greeting transit riders between the turnstiles and escalators at the 42nd Street entrance to the 7 train in Manhattan’s Grand Central Station.

Brooklyn-based artists Sharmistha Ray and Dannielle Tegeder have this to say about their mural . . .

. . . “it’s both a celebration and a meditation on the city’s perpetual cycles of arrival, growth, and renewal honoring New York’s resilience, ambition, and the shared sense of collective belonging. Our intention is to create a contemplative space that centers inclusivity, connection, and healing.”

I hope you’ll take some time to read more about the artist collective behind the mural, the history of this piece, and . . . to see more photos of the installation. It’s fun and joyous and has a fascinating background story, too. Here’s a link to the article — and even if you don’t have the time to read the whole thing, at least enjoy the photos! It’s a stunning – and joyful – piece of public art.

I wish I could see the mural in person, but I’ll just have to be satisfied with this vicarious look through the computer.

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Something to slow you down . . .

Adriene, of Yoga With Adriene, recently added a 5-minute “yoga break” practice to provide . . . Instant Calm. It’s a little bit of meditation and little bit of gentle stretching — and perfect to do ANY time of day when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or stressed; whenever you just need to restore some calm to your day.

If you’re “not a yoga person,” that’s okay! There are no downward dogs or up-and-down movements in this practice. You don’t need stretchy yoga clothes. You don’t need a yoga mat. The whole thing is done in a seated position . . . anywhere you’re comfortable: on the floor, at your desk, on the couch. Anywhere. It’s just a quick little break . . . just 5 minutes! . . . to slow yourself down and re-center.

Give it a try!
Slow down your thoughts. Slow down your day.

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And something to rev you up . . .

My sister and I have always shared a love of music (from way back in our “tween” days when we shared a little red radio in our bedroom where we could listen to top-40 countdowns together) — and she has an incredible knack for sending me the just-right song at the just-right moment. Whenever she knows (or senses) I need a song . . .  to match my mood or to SET a mood for my day. . . she sends me a link. And because I know the magic and the power of the song selections she sends me, I tend to drop everything and click on the link immediately. (And I’ve never regretted doing so.)

Earlier this week, she knew I had a major, overwhelming task ahead of me . . . and she sent this link to get me in the mood to move and “get my toes-a-tapping.” It worked wonders for me. Maybe it will for you, too!

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And that’s it for this week. I hope you found some sanctuary here today.
At least for a few minutes.

Enjoy the weekend!
Find some joy. Protect your peace.