Querencia

It can be said that life is a lot like bullfighting.  There are flags, danger, cheering, death, victory and skill.  For the bull, in the bullring there is a place where he can feel safe.  It is in that moment that he is able to muster all of his strength and mite and is no longer afraid of what faces him.  Querencia is that safe place; that place of wholeness, peace and perhaps of strength. 

There are times in each of our lives that we will need to experience querencia.  Life transitions, moments of new life, it times of death, and perhaps somewhere in between any of these moments.  Finding inner silence, inner peace, inner safety, inner “us” is a journey that does not come with a map or Microsoft Template, this is a path for you.  Getting there is often a very important part of this journey. 

Pastors Tom and Steve preached one morning about creating a home alter.  A place in our home where we would place items that are sacred to us, meaningful to us, and those items that were important in our life’s journey.  I thought the idea a little new for me, perhaps weird.  What would my guests think of this space?  The idea grew on me.  I went about collect my items.  The family bible that my family has had for over 100 years.  A palm leaf that a friend folded into a cross on an Easter service we all attended together.  An old nail that I had found as a kid, I remember where I found it too!  A rock or two, a crystal, a necklace, two other Bibles given to me under special circumstances, and a meditation bell.  Interesting how often I touch those items, ring the bell and “be” in that space.  I do so now with little regard or thought.  It is a ritual of sorts.  It brings me peace and helps me to find an inner sancturary when my mind, body and spirit are not centered.

Divorce, being a parent, living, caring for someone in their final years or days, living without freedom, discrimination, being ill, dying, relationships, work, worship, pets, family, the list continues on items that can create stress and hard times in our life.  When we have moments that upset our life, our rhythm, our peace it is important to realize that despite the bull that is looking at us, we matador’s simply must find OUR querencia.  And when you do you will find that you have courage, strength, peace and power beyond measure.         

We can be the change that we seek in this world.  One day.  One person.  One journey.  One prayer.  One act of kindness.  One moment of inner peace at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals