About Urban Sanctuary

Spira (speira) is the Ancient Greek root of the words: spirit, inspiration and spiral, conveying movement, an unfolding, a budding, growth, a twisting, even a twisting back.  This is the foundation of the work of Urban Sanctuary, a sacred space set apart just for this work.  Spiritual Direction is listening to the movement of the Holy Spirit in another; Creative Expression comes through inspiration; and, the spiraling of the Labyrinth gives meditation movement to help one delve deeper interiorly.  Finally, my sister, Laurie, is a registered YogaFaith instructor, offering breath and movement of yoga through a Christ-centered, spirit-filled approach. How did this all come together?

Nickie Lynn, Owner, Spiritual Director, Anam Cara

Nickie Lynn, Owner, Spiritual Director, Anam Cara

The Founder

My life has been full of diverse experiences, exposing me to many of the world's Wisdom Traditions. I have lived in and traveled to many countries and states, while raising my 3 children. At the age of 50, I found myself with an empty nest and lot of extra time. I started to dive more deeply into some of my lifelong passions and found myself rebooting a college education that I had started decades before.

This led me to focus, also, on my own spiritual journey. Several years of academic pursuit, culminated in 3 certifications and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry. . .qualified by academia to care for souls. This, however, is what I have done naturally all my life, through the Holy Spirit.

I hold it as a precious honor, to walk with another during this sacred journey of life. Spiritual Directors have also been described as being midwives . . . witnessing the birth of new ‘soul-life’. Below is a list of my credentials and some ministerial experiences that have well-prepared me to help others along their journey.

Experience

  • Youth Ministry (35+ years)

  • Retreat Director and Facilitator (35+ years)

  • Catechist and Catechist Trainer (30/15 years)

  • Labyrinth Designer, Creator and Facilitator (20+ years)

  • Women’s Ministry (15+ years)

  • Spiritual Director (10+ years)

Credentials

  • BA Organizational Management; Religious Studies (BAOM)

  • Certification in Labyrinth Facilitation(CLF)

  • Certification in Pastoral Ministry (CPM)

  • Certification in Spiritual Direction (CSD)

  • School of Theology, Master of Pastoral Studies; Spiritual Direction (MPS)

I have a published Master’s Thesis at Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL, and Atlanta, GA. regarding the Labyrinth as Tool for Spiritual Direction, and, a published writing on Flannery O’Connor, (Author and Spiritual Director) at the Georgia College, in Milledgeville, GA.

Member of The International Labyrinth Society and Spiritual Directors International

All these phenomenal academic experiences aside, and for which I am most grateful, I cherish most, my simple, personal and spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit, and our Loving Creator . . . the only class truly worth attending . . . sitting with them and listening. I’ve felt led to follow an ancient path of my Celtic ancestors . . . Anam Cara ~ Soul Companion ~or~ Soul Friend ~

I would love to have you consider me your Anam Cara, your Spiritual Director, your Spiritual Companion.

Laurie from Dee with cherry blossoms.jpg

Our Yoga Instructor and Aromatherapy Guide

Laurie Westlund Hugdahl is a 200-RFT YogaFaith trained instructor and holistic health coach with additional training and experience in trauma-informed yoga, addiction and recovery, adaptive yoga, meditation, yoga nidra, aromatherapy, and whole food plant-based cooking instruction. More info at her website http://firmlyplantedwellness.com

 

What People Are Saying About Urban Sanctuary

“A place of love and healing!” — GREGORY & BARBARA

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“I had the most wonderful time doing yoga and painting at Urban Sanctuary!” —KATIE

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“Your sign says you “Inspire Tranquility”, I’d like to know how you do that!” . . . one hour later . . . WOW, you did it! I feel at peace; this place is very special! —RICHARD

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After walking the labyrinth:

“As I walked I was aware of left foot, right foot. One step at a time, one day at a time.” — BECKY

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“I left the shell of the old me and placed it before God. Then I danced my way out in freedom symbolizing God taking the heavy yoke of sorrow from me.” — SANDI

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“Thank you for offering this prayerful, soul enriching experience. To reflect and pray within the Labyrinth on Good Friday touched me deeply.” — KAREN

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A Thank You note from a client after receiving a Relaxation Basket of Aromatherapy Products & Incense:

“You have managed to package grace and blessings with beautiful thoughtfulness and tokens of Nature. Everything you touch brings a beauty that’s leveled up as only one with gifts from God can do.” — KAREN V.

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A Hope and Prayer for Urban Sanctuary:

“Many people will be blessed as they enter these walls and draw closer to their Creator and find Peace in their souls. May God always stay at the center of all you do.” — LAURIE

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