Today, we delve into the inspiring life of Michelle Milben, a former White House counsel who discovered the transformative power of sanctuary amidst the demands of Washington D.C.

 Create a quiet blank moment.

Michelle Milben struggled to find moments of peace amidst her busy schedule. However, as a minister and musician, she understood the importance of silence on a spiritual level. Despite her demanding role in Washington, Michelle made a conscious effort to carve out time for stillness. Sometimes, she had to physically block out segments of her day for quiet reflection. These moments, no matter how short, were crucial.

For Michelle, these quiet interludes were vital for maintaining her ethical compass and fostering positive relationships with others. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, she often referred to this time as her personal "force field." As the founder and CEO of Explanation Kids, Michelle dedicates herself to safeguarding her sanctuary while providing children with answers to their questions about world events.

Since her school days, Michelle has been using a spreadsheet to schedule moments of stillness in her busy day. Each cell in the spreadsheet represents a 15-minute time slot between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm. After inputting her main responsibilities and desired activities, Michelle reviews her schedule to ensure balance. She prioritizes protecting these "gaps" for personal time, such as reading the Bible or reflecting on meaningful quotes.

Despite its usual association with data, Michelle views the spreadsheet as a tool for maintaining her sanctuary boundaries. By allocating time for quiet reflection and essential tasks, she ensures a harmonious daily routine.

The importance of “Sanctuary Time” is not unique to Michelle. During his time in office, former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz dedicated an hour each week to uninterrupted contemplation. He would sit down with pen and paper and let his mind wander, refusing to take any phone calls unless they were from his wife or the president.

Throughout our interviews, we consistently heard about the significance of having a sanctuary in both time and space. Many individuals strive to maintain a "morning mindset," seeking to create a space of undivided attention before the sun rises, free from external mental distractions. Others find solace in quiet time at the end of the day, using it as a way to clear their minds and eliminate any lingering mental noise, considering it sacred.

Silas Habib, a Jesuit practitioner, shared a Jesuit practice known as the "Prayer for the Investigation of Consciousness." This practice involves taking time at night to reflect on the events of the day and to contemplate moments of grace and connection. Justin, co-author of this book, has at times engaged in a similar practice, reflecting on moments of peaceful stillness during the day and exploring the ever-changing nature of consciousness.

Establishing a sanctuary should be straightforward. You can stretch, bathe, journal, relax on the terrace, lie down on the floor, or simply find a peaceful way to unwind. Design a space where you can sit on the terrace, rest on the floor, or engage in another calm and soothing activity.

Let's intentionally clear some time in our schedules. Whether it means waking up a bit earlier or dedicating a portion of the evening to purposefully "freeing up" time. Truly use that time for yourself. Treat that commitment as you would a meeting with a respected colleague or dear friend.

Early birds and night owls are often seen as opposites. Nevertheless, they both recognize the importance of quiet moments during the day, times when there are no external pressures. Poets and truth-seekers have always appreciated the tranquility of 4 a.m. due to its boundary-like characteristics.

For Michelle, these time and space sanctuaries, particularly those set aside for the morning, were crucial in determining her effectiveness, whether during her tenure at the White House or now as she establishes her own startup. She utilizes these sanctuaries to reinforce her convictions. Michelle stated, "Embracing stillness and mastering the art of being still has always been vital in sharpening my capacity to derive wisdom from challenging circumstances and devising strategies that yield positive outcomes, especially when the odds are against the good I aim to achieve in the world."

Thank you for joining us on "Sanctuary Moments." Take a moment today to find your own sanctuary, and let it be a place of peace and renewal.

Last May Good Things Come in Your Life.