A winter virus gave me “a space”, Sanctuary, to read this book from beginning to end. Prior to this I had dipped in and out of it and had thoroughly enjoyed titbits and contemplating the photographs.
But this big book of 226 pages and 172 references is a rich, deep, satisfying and stimulating read. It was a decade in the writing and covers much of the author’s life experiences.
It is a well ordered book that circles from the first section: “Wondering about Sanctuary”, to “Illuminating Sanctuary”, to “Protecting Sanctuary” to “Wonderment of Sanctuary”.
I doubt there was a page in Julie’s book where I was not drawn in, encouraged to wonder, to absorb or marvel or question.
Her home on the Kapiti Coast is where my newly widowed mother sought sanctuary, in her new home and environment for the remaining 15 years of her life. The beach, the sea, the birds, the sky and the looming guardian of Kapiti Island are strong links to me and my understanding of this special environment.
The section of Julie’s book where she writes about a poetry course she ran for people suffering from the effects of stroke, Alzheimers and Parkinson’s disease, I found particularly poignant. No matter our age or physical condition, our soul remains a sanctuary.
Not only did I find this immensely reassuring but also a wonderful example of compassion. To take time, to give careful attention to detail and to offer attentive presence, gave rise to illuminations from these peoples’ spirits.
The book is full of detail, research, images, references, journal entries, poetry, anecdotes, peoples’ thoughts and experiences. Julie’s writing skills are exemplified in her in-depth exploration of words, concepts, beliefs and experiences.
The thoughts and contributions of Julie’s friends and acquaintances sit easily among those of influential writers and thinkers across the ages. Sanctuary is not the domain of the highly trained, specialised or profoundly learned and wise; it is for every one of us as human beings.
Sanctuary (from the Latin “Sanctus” meaning Holy) can be found anywhere and in limitless ways. It is not limited or definitively prescribed. As the title “the discovery of wonder” indicates – discover what works for you, what gives you inner space. The cover of the book is a contemplation on this very issue.
I found this book to be one I want to own so that I can return to it again and again for my own personal and spiritual understanding and development.
Note: For an in depth review of Julie Leibrich’s book that I enjoyed reading go here:
ordinarygoodness 
Thanks for this suggestion, Lynley. I’ve ordered the book from the library.
I would be interested in your responses to the book, especially set against your experiences of the earthquakes and associated challenges. I hope you enjoy the book.
That sounds like a lovely book, Lyn – love the illustrations too.
I thoroughly enjoyed it Jo and am still thinking about issues it raised for me. Julie’s photographs and the cover (and inside cover) were fantastic to contemplate. The decade of hard work she has poured into the book is impressive.
You did a lovely review of my book. Thank you so much. All the best from Julie.
You are very welcome Julie. I loved your book.
Glad you found sanctuary in this book. 🙂 I love the idea of poetry courses for those with Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
Remarkably even the folk who were mute and or unable to write contributed in the poetry course – Julie and her colleague were so creative in drawing out responses and acknowledging them. So much warmth in that piece:-)
Just wonderful to hear.