Sanctuary Blog
Latest Sanctuary Post
King’s Return Encore: “Amazing Grace” Acapella
The Dallas-based quartet often focuses on spiritual and gospel music, and like any truly gifted performers, they make even the most familiar classics sound and feel brand new. This time, they’ve chosen a song that never gets old, and one with a special resonance for many in our Allies community.
Sanctuary Posts
On a Massachusetts Mountaintop
Relax and enjoy the light shifting over Bakke Mountain in Massachusetts. "Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free," the philosopher Zhuang Zhou once wrote. "Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate."
The Humor of Imperfection
In the mood for some comic relief? Celebrate the comedy of failure and surprise with these two hilarious animal videos. Yes, even dogs struggle to be good dogs, just as we humans struggle to embrace our imperfect humanity.
Beautiful Brokenness
Learn more about the Japanese art of kintsugi and how it is the perfect metaphor for our broken relationships, human failures, and the fraught path to recovery that we share with our Loved One.
The Elvis-Loving Cockatoo
Need a laugh? Check out this dancing cockatoo and his less enthusiastic, feathered friend.
An Icy Purgatory Falls
Take a moment to enjoy the relaxing sounds of an icy New Hampshire waterfall in winter.
3 Boundaries to Set in Every Relationship
In this Super Soul Sunday excerpt, Oprah Winfrey and her guests discuss the importance of setting emotional boundaries. Here are three boundaries we should learn to set, not only with our Loved One, but in any of our relationships.
A Winter Thaw
Take a moment to enjoy this relaxing video of a winter thaw in New Hampshire. Observe the shifting light, the shadows on the snow as the fog lifts, bringing blue skies, sunshine, and a glistening white field of ice.
It Might Have Been Otherwise
A poem by Jane Kenyon reminds us to feel grateful for small pleasures, even when life overwhelms us.
Be Part of the Silence
Watch video from a bird sanctuary in Audubon Park (New Orleans) and learn how “becoming part of the silence” can help, whether you are bird watching or talking to your Loved One.
Christmas in New Orleans
Relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in the Garden District, home to some of New Orleans’ most opulent, antebellum mansions. The neighborhood is positively romantic with its gas lights, luscious gardens, fountains, iron gates, and twinkling Christmas lights.
The RAIN of Self-Compassion
Are you feeling burned out, unworthy, anxious, or insecure? In this post, writer Tara Brach shows us how the RAIN of Self-Compassion can tranform doubt, fear, and other negative emotions into openness, warmth, and self-healing.
Leonard Cohen’s Lament
Two inspiring peformances of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" remind us that love and beauty persist, even in the most demanding of times.
The Favorite Dress
What is the emotional equivalent of your favorite outfit? When your Loved One's actions trigger hard emotions, do you resort to the same old negative reactions without thinking? Here are some suggestions for altering those ingrained responses.
We Can Only Mend Our Own Lives
It is easy to lose ourselves when we are continually focused on a Loved One with an addiction problem. But to step away and find time to understand our own needs and desires keeps us grounded. We are less angry, resentful, and anxious when we take the time for reflection and self-care. We must not forget to love ourselves.
The Relaxing Pleasures of a Vermont Farm
Let the sights and sounds of a horse farm in North Bennington, Vermont, transport you to a calmer, more mindful place.
Let’s Start at the Very Beginning
Take a few minutes to be carried away to a Belgian train station where a flashmob enchants many, and even gets a few bystanders dancing!
Tell Him
This mom and daughter duo, seen here on their first appearance on Britain's Got Talent, uplift and inspire by their connection, their courage, their story. See for yourself…
New Mexico Prayer Flags
The Tibetans believe that hanging prayer flags in high, windy places, spreads compassion, peace, and good will. As the wind passes over the surface, the blessings depicted on the flags are carried to all beings. In this Sanctuary video, filmed in New Mexico, we invite you to pause, take a deep breath, and let a sense of peace wash over you.
Live Like the Moon: Why Gentle Influence Works
The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. You too can use such quiet power to influence the behaivor of your Loved One and move them towards recovery. Learn how today.
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
Enjoy some comic relief and musical pleasure, in the form of a duet featuring a human guitar player and an accordian playing dog…