Cathedral of Ronchamp by Le Corbusier

"Every living faith must have within itself the power of rejuvenation if it is to live." - Mahatma Gandhi

When I need to focus and get myself back on track, rather than meditate--as I usually turn to--or perform a make-over, which generally puts a smile on my face, I prefer visiting places truly close to my heart: highly admired architectural sites where I am able to contemplate my diffused soul and flush out unwanted fuzzy thoughts.

Someone once told me that I can easily detect the arrival of negative endings, and recently a certain departure has provided a certain depressive disarray in my life. So, during the beautiful height of spring days, I was inspired to wipe away my discouraging feelings and clear my polluted mind in order to step forward with myself.

The remedy was not only quite simple but also quite rare: a pilgrimage to a modern architectural wonder of our history, the Cathedral of Ronchamp in France. I visited the cathedral when I was a student at the SCI-Arc, but revisiting the site was a dream come true. My first visit occurred on a cold winter day, with trees covered in ice crystals. This time I had the opportunity to see it on a fresh spring day with same trees changed to green and waving at me joyously!

The windy hillside road, ever so romantic, is a processional experience. It felt like arriving at a Palladian site. Greeted by a small open window reception, the arrival at the entrance felt tender and warm, and very soon after paying my admittance, I became free of my depressions and complicated present circumstances. The welcoming arms of the cathedral and the smiling well-lit towers were so comforting. It felt as if nothing had changed; my memories of the cathedral greeted the present as I fell in love all over again. 

Please enjoy the snap shots I took during my contemplative visit, and find a place in your heart where you can re-visit to regain your vitality.