Sacred Places

Living Springs Conference Center, Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday mid-afternoon before the beginning of the coaching course.

The team for Phase 3 of Coaching Essentials was setting the room in preparation for the beginning of the course that evening. I was bustling around, arranging flowers, wiping chairs, etc., when I went into the attached kitchen. Glancing out the back door, I saw some steps leading up the hill … beckoning.

When the team started assembling the audio system, I completed my current job and decided to see where the steps led. The back door is situated about 2/3 of the way up the mountain, and from there, a trail can be seen farther up. I wanted to see where it went. As it turns out, the trail drifts off to the left and ends at a locked gate. Undaunted, I went off the trail, setting my sights even farther up the mountain … looking for something, unsure what that might be.

I deliberately chose to follow my sixth sense, curious where it might lead me. Sure enough, there was a spot that seemed intriguing. Picking my way carefully through the trees and deadfalls, I approached as silently as possible, settling into a sitting position. Inhaling, exhaling. Soaking in, offering out. Peaceful. Friendly vibes. Relaxing more. Lying down. Connecting. Smoothing. Fusing … with the thick mat of undergrowth cushioning my body, the lacey canopy blocking out the heat of the sun, the trill of the bellbirds playing with my ears, a cool wind dancing lightly across my face. I belonged there in that moment, and so did everything else.

Another gift from Life. And, I belonged.

PS This picture was taken from the balcony of our training room at eventide. Even at night, the place is magical.