Something in me is so drawn to these words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Every spirit builds itself a house; and beyond its house, a world; and beyond its world, a heaven.” I think it is my own spirit that loves these words- that loving inner awareness that witnesses and guides my life.    I have an inkling that this spiritual self – or presence- or being- or soul – is here to experience life on earth in all of its delights and challenges, to learn some things, to participate and to contribute.  And I have a deep sense that this spirit is firmly seated in, deeply rooted in, and lives in love, all the while longing to remember to be in this world as love, in love, held by love and as a channel for love.

I have built a house here with my family- and it is a messy house and a colorful house and a joyful house.  It is a safe and comfortable house and, I hope, a loving house.  Beyond this house- the world that we live in.  And rippling out from this world, a heaven.  “All the way to heaven,” said Saint Teresa of Avila, “is heaven.”  My spirit knows that this is true.

Come friends, rest in the grace of this allowing.
Joy is the light radiance of our love affair with living.

I realize that creating a spiritual house is a common theme in many of my books.

Here is a poem from Moonlight and Remembrance:

Everything is sacred, precious.
I light candles, incense,
scatter beauty around my house:
color, delight, fragrance, spice,
texture, plants and flowers.
Let there be life and love
right out in the open.
Nothing to hide.
Nothing witheld.
Here foolishness,
simplicity and devotion
carry no shame.
Come friends, rest
in the grace of this allowing.
Joy is the light radiance
of our love affair with living.

And here is  one from What Holds Us:

Sanctuary

Because I want holy temples and sacred rites
invoking the gods to come and live with us here forever,
and I long for the perfume of intimacy
with the living timeless Divine,
I went on the world wide web and bought
amber incense, oils, and a hundred beeswax candles.
Beeswax for their honey fragrance,
and the golden warmth they’d give our home.
My good husband noticed them arrive in two boxes,
and I sheepishly explained
the more you buy, the cheaper they are,
And he laughed and did not chastise me
for being a frivolous fool.
Instead he took me in his arms and said,
“I love you.  You’re so much fun.”

This morning I glued some new House Blessings, and I thought of my own home, and the house of my spirit- the world my spirit builds, and beyond this world, a heaven.

HOUSE  BLESSING

This house is Love’s house.
It is a sanctuary, a garden, a safe haven.
May it be delightful.
May it be a home that encourages
creativity and peace,
togetherness and private time.
May it be an environment
that celebrates life, untidy and ever flowing.
May simplicity be honored in this house,
valuing love above all else.
May daily chores and small moments
all be approached with reverence and with love.
Mistakes may be seen as lessons learned.
Kindness, forgiveness, laughter, joy,
and calm enthusiasm
will nourish all who enter through its doors.
May all who visit leave refreshed.
May all who live in this house
live in contentment and harmony,
dreaming many beautiful dreams,
rejoicing in the way things are.

written by Ingrid Goff-Maidoff

from the book, Good Mother, Welcome

Friends, I wish you a deep sense of belonging in the house of your spirit! With love and joy, Ingrid