The Future of Sanctuary

On one particular Sunday afternoon some time ago, Philip and I were sitting in the pair of chairs in front of our bookcase. I was nearing completion of my masters degree, and we were discussing where to house the accumulated research we were gathering as we looked ever deeper into the historical, philosophical, and psychological roots of sanctuary—roots that have grown into the work we do today.

We realized all this material needed to live somewhere, a space where our notes, books, and transcripts would be easy to find and readily accessible for the projects we imagined, like the book I wanted to start (and am now writing). We knew it would keep growing, and it has.

We laughed at the realization that every one of our bookshelves had already become the "Finding Sanctuary Library," and it occurred to us how wonderful it would be if other designers, architects, builders, students, and anyone interested in learning more about sanctuary could access this library as well as the notes, cross-references, and connections we had made across millenia of thought and among diverse academic disciplines. How better to make a real impact in the world with our work than to open the doors to those who might not only benefit from it, but might also further that work?

We both knew immediately that this could turn into something amazing.

In the following months we recruited a founding board, created a charter, and filed for 501(c)3 status for a brand new organization. The Finding Sanctuary Institute was born.

Today, our plans have grown. We began to wonder: if a place like this existed, filled with resources for study and enclosed within a beautiful sanctuary setting, wouldn’t it naturally become a home for gatherings centered on the idea of sanctuary itself?

What an incredibly lovely thought that is! Retreats, workshops, masterclasses, seminars, and lectures—all of these could come to life here. This could be such a life-enhancing resource for so many people.

This is the vision that Philip and I have for this Institute, and the work of building it is starting in earnest. As we continue to grow this vision into reality, please consider this your very enthusiastic invitation to participate with us in creating the future of sanctuary, and in making this dream a reality.

With love and gratitude,

Lisa