Redefining the Sacred
What do we consider sacred?
A holy book? A hallowed space? A Church? Prayers said in silence. These are the obvious. These are the things we are brought up to consider sacred from childhood and as we grow up into adulthood we still remember that these things are to be treated with a solemn respect and piety. Whether religious or not, we still seem to have an unspoken understanding of how to behave in the presence of the sacred and the holy.
But how do we decide what is sacred?
Does a priest tell us? Is it just reserved for practices and prayers thousands of years old? How did those things become holy to those who practiced them? Because someone at one point in their spiritual journey found immeasurable value in these things. Usually a priest or a priestess. But as we carve out our own spiritual path and forge our own way, we become our own priests and priestesses. When a spiritual journey becomes inherently personal rather than the collective teaching to a congregation, church or religious group then we can define for ourselves what is sacred. When we remove authoritarian figures and systems from our spirituality, we suddenly return to the inner self that knows what is sacred.
What do you find sacred?
Ask yourself “what are the most important things in my life?" You may already have the answers coming to you. If you don't consider these– a song that resonates with you, things that make you excited to get up in the morning, moments in your routine that fulfill you. If like me you love to read, there are books that spoke to your spirit. These things are sacred in their own way. Even if only to you and your journey.
Holy Attitudes?
We need to redefine what is "acceptable behavior" in the presence of what we consider holy. Do you still find fulfillment in the attitudes expected in churches and temples? If so, keep using them; there's no reason you shouldn't hold on to something that works for you. But if not, explore what does feel right. If you flourish by emitting joyous rambunctiousness in and around the sacred, then do it! If your spirit longs for a more rambunctious and expressive practice – filled with music, movement, and exuberance, embrace it! Consider filling your sacred spaces with dance, laughter, and an energized spirit. Perhaps your sacred spaces are concerts and anywhere people come together in community and joy. This can be just as holy and sacred as a quiet temple is to another. If you still long for the seriousness and methodical routine of ritual, create them. Find your sacred places anywhere you feel your spirit is called.
Practice:
Choose your own sacred spaces.
Write your own sacred texts.
Keep clippings of poetry, prose, lyrics, or quotes from favorite writers.
If they call to you then they are calling to be a part of your spiritual practice and identity as well.
Remember to experiment! Blend different things together, try some things, try some others. Allow yourself space to grow and change. Maybe something that is sacred now will no longer be a part of your practice a year from now. That's okay! You aren't required to be confined to your previous identity. Don't dismiss what makes your heart skip or brings on tears of cleansing joy. All these things are important.
It is time to move sacred things out from the confines of solemn halls beneath steepled roofs and give ourselves the permission and space to honor that which calls to our spirit and awakens our heart. Sacred spaces can be found among nature and within ourselves. Create that space when you feel called.
🖤 Elisa
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