Sanctuary Blog
Latest Sanctuary Post
Tom Jones: “I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall”
Tom Jones’ musical evocation of what it means to be there for a Loved One.
Sanctuary Posts
A Work of Genius In the Hermitage
It was a gift of General Potemkin to Catherine the Great; it was a challenge for one of the great inventors of 18th-century England. It remains an extraordinary, and entirely functional, work of art.
Out of the Mouths of Babes (and Comedians)
Comedian DJ Pryor says that he’s always spoken to his children (even when they were toddlers) as if they could understand his every word. The approach seems to be working with 15-month-old Kingston, who holds detailed conversations with his dad. Sure, it’s in a language known only to the two of them, but that hasn’t stopped the world from being charmed.
Abba’s Chiquitita, Filipino Style
A father & kids music group sings the pop classic in a way you’ve never heard before.
Oh, What a Little Breath Work Can Do!
Intentional breathing practices have been around for millennia, but Western medicine has taken notice of their potential benefits only recently. This great primer on breath work covers the numerous ways it can improve wellbeing and reduce stress and anxiety. It also shows you some easy, no-fault ways to get started.
Peaceful Music, Glorious Nature: Sometimes It’s All We Need
We all know, in theory, that calm and soothing music can reduce our stress and anxiety. How often do we give it the chance, though? On this website, gentle piano combines with some of the most stunning nature video you could hope for.
“I’m In Recovery, But I’m Not Recovered.” Jamie Lee Curtis Opens Up About Her Struggle With Opioids
“To call yourself an alcoholic or a drug addict is a badge of honor,” the actress says. Jamie Lee Curtis is one of Hollywood’s most well-known actresses, but for years she kept her struggle with opioid use a secret. In this brief but extremely candid interview, she describes her journey from heavy use to recovery, and the turning points that she credits with saving her life.
“Addiction Is a Disease That Thrives in The Dark”: A Younger Sister’s Plea For an End to Fear and Shame
Sam Fowler and her parents spent many years hiding her brother’s substance use disorder (SUD) from the world. The experience convinced Sam that openness, and even vulnerability, are better choices.
“Lipstick and Cocaine”: In Kaz Hawkins’ Wrenching Song, Love Proves Stronger Than Both Hate and Addiction
“You can do this, you can do this. Just one more fight.” Northern Irish singer Kaz Hawkins had lived a long time with abuse when her then-partner slit her throat and left her for dead. “Lipstick and Cocaine,” the song she wrote in the aftermath of the incident, pulls no punches. And that makes the tale of survival and recovery it sketches all the more powering.
Combatting That Morning Dread: Brené Brown on Courage, Vulnerability, Empathy and Self-Worth
“Don’t walk through the world looking for evidence that you don’t belong, because you’ll always find it.” Professor Brené Brown delivers a powerful statement about the nature of courage, and how it can’t exist without an embrace of uncertainty and vulnerability. At the same time, she makes a passionate case for self-affirmation. Her message is one of challenge, promise, and hope.
Yoga for Anxiety and Stress
Few practices are better suited than yoga to help with both anxiety and stress. A gentle and compassionate round of yoga with Adriene Mishler, focused on the health, relaxation, and well-being of body, mind and spirit.
“It’s Not About Me”: On Not Taking Things Personally
Have you ever considered it’s NOT about you? Actor, public speaker, and soccer coach Frederik Imbo offers strategies for escaping the suffering involved in taking offense.
If This Doesn’t Break Your Heart (In A Good Way)…
15-year-old Jemima sings a tribute and lament for her mother on stage in Germany, and blows the roof off the place! Amazing young talent!
“The Sounds of Silence” as you’ve never heard it before
Thomas—that’s all we know of him, thanks to the blind audition rules on France’s talent show The Voice—stands up alone and delivers a “Sounds of Silence” to reckon with. Like every great performance, it’s a welding together of raw talent, respect for the material, and heart.