Dear Reader,

I’ve always had my own method of escaping from my realities.

As a child, and — albeit slightly embarrassing to admit — up until I was a teenager, I would call, “Mommy, hug me.” I would not consider myself then as an emotional person; I can count on one hand the number of times I have cried because of the stresses of schoolwork or personal relationships. Instead, I would control those emotions wrapped up in the comforting embrace of my mother, taking deep breaths and recharging the tranquility.

After coming to college, it was first the shelter of my grandparents’ home that became my escape — seeing my grandparents’ faces light up when I opened the door every two-or-so weeks; well-rested and well-fed (perhaps a bit excessively). Then it was the late night walks I would go on during the fall, just a second before I would be stifled by the weight of all my assignments, emptying my brain of all thoughts as I focused on the crisp air entering through my nose. Or the random walks around campus on sunny afternoons during the spring, my footsteps light as I casually gazed around at the blooming cherry blossoms. Most recently, sleep became my escape. In the midst of a lifestyle trapped in the loop of one thing to do after another, my most convincing excuse was “to sleep”.

Whichever one of these methods I used, their commonality was that they invigorated me. However short those periods were, they gave me newfound motivation to organize my thoughts and carry them out in action; to become less focused on just me and also be aware of the people and environment surrounding me. These sanctuaries are what breaks us away from the cycle of helplessness or confusion. They stop us from being overly fixated on one single thing. They help us to recover our composure, and this — even just a partial recovery — allows us to look forward with the slightest hint of anticipation.

A sanctuary might look different for each person. For those whose lives have been overturned by external factors such as conflicts, oppression, or economic fluctuations, a sanctuary could be the basic necessities of a safe shelter and the presence of family. For others who lead a routine life, it could be as simple as the prospect of going home after a long day. A quiet moment of reflection. Finding a new hobby completely deviating from the ordinary. Working towards a goal. Closer to home, it could be a hug from a friend when you feel a sudden pang of stress, or the expectations of a weekend getaway after exams end.  

For this month, my humble advice to you, dear Reader, is to find your own sanctuary. It really could be anything — as long as it is something that will allow you to face life’s challenges with renewed energy and a positive outlook. After all, happiness should be a priority. And beyond that, I also hope your sanctuary will be something that will give you the breathing space to look around you and acknowledge the needs and sanctuaries of others.
 

In search of a sanctuary,

Hae-Rim Kim

Editor-in-Chief