Temenos at Home

Our goal for our Warrior at Heart Ministry men's camp is to create what we call a "temenos" environment. Temenos is a greek word and we define it as a safe place, a sanctuary. It's a place where warriors can take off their armor without fear of retribution or attack. In our culture it's a place were we can let our walls down, where we can be open and transparent without fear of backlash. A place that could be described with words like open, non-judgmental, transparent, honest, caring, grace and mercy.

What has really been on my mind lately is how do we bring temenos to the rest of our lives? More specifically how do we bring temenos to our homes?

What would a "Temenos Home" look or feel like? It would be a place where your wife can share anything. Where children aren't afraid of talking to mom and dad about anything. Where love, grace and mercy reign. A home that can be described with the same words used above.

How do we create that at home? I think it starts by living it ourselves. It starts by us changing how we react, change how we communicate with our family. It won't be easy. Odds are it's not going to feel safe for you, let alone the rest of the family. But the longer you can stay in the temenos zone, the more those around you are going to want to hang out there with you.