The Sanctuary Bench
An invitation into Deeper Connection
“Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connecton the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.”
“When you listen generously to people, they can hear the truth in themselves, often for the first time.”
A Sanctuary Bench is …
A Space where your grounded, mature presence offers a person an opportunity to share, find solace and meaningful connection, as well as a deeper, more authentic and trusting sense of relationship.
The simplicity of what the Sanctuary Bench offers is the power of attentive, empathic, compassionate listening within a safe and healthy relationship.
When People Sit the Bench Together
In the presence of a trained listener, people will experience someone who is committed to hearing whatever they want to share, perhaps a joy or a sadness. A simple nonjudgmental presence is offered. Open-ended questions are asked or not. Together we explore our natural inner wisdom in a way that supports agency.
A powerful example of this in action is Dixon Chibanda’s work in Africa. Dixon’s work is hightlighed in this video from the Aspen Institute (begin at 26:50 into the video).
Our Invitation to You
We invite you into a year-long integrated pilot program designed to offer connection through the power of safe listening relationships. Together we will learn and practice creative ways of entering into deeper relationships with ourselves and extending that to others.
To Apply for the Program - or with Questions
Contact James Encinas.