What are your thoughts? Is it your religion, your word, our flag, a particular place, music, a concept, an action? When considering that which is sacred, most of us look for what is out of the ordinary, or elevated to a higher standard, often associated with God, the Source, or a Higher Power. Recently, I returned from Peru, a trip which has started me thinking about sacredness. So many parts of that country felt sacred. Peru is a developing country, with more than half the population indigenous, living in the rural, mountainous areas of the Andes. Most of the people there do not possess, or even know of, our wealth and opportunities. Yet overall, they are happy and contented, immersed in the customs and traditions that center around the sacredness of their lands and people. The majesty of the Andes, the beauty and agricultural productivity of the Sacred Valley, the discoveries of the Inca civilization at Machu Picchu and other sites, the climate, the spiritual value of each person, all contribute to this national sense of belonging to something special.
In this country, do we feel a sense of sacredness? Some might say “of course”, and others, “absolutely not”. Do we owe all we have to God, or all we have to capitalism? Is our land sacred, or is the money we make to build the land up sacred? In our busy lives, do we even think of sacredness? Is this idea narrow or broad for you? Most people would acknowledge their personal religious beliefs are sacred. Do we ever ask ourselves what is sacred beyond that point, particularly when considering other people’s ideas and beliefs? Hopefully the answer is yes. We may not talk the same talk, or walk the same walk, but each person’s perspective should be respected. Every individual is a sacred being. Negativity toward others, for any reason, removes their sacredness. Each of us has a choice and a responsibility. I choose to take a positive viewpoint of what this world can be. I believe we are on this earth to find our way back to God, or Spirit, so I do all I can to help myself and others. When we broaden our perspective, our tolerance, and respect, we spread love, (God, Spirit) throughout the world.
How? Words can be very powerful. Most religions use sacred words in their services. These words are revered, particularly when speaking to the Almighty. At a trial, we hold swearing on a bible to speak the truth as a sacred oath. Even the words in some contracts are sacred, like the marriage vows between couples. What we say and how we say it makes a difference in every part of our existence. It means the difference between darkness and light, evil and good, hate and love. Every positive utterance elevates the vibrational energies of the world. Words spoken in love and tolerance are sacred to the speaker, as well as the receiver, because there is consciousness involved that elevates each.
Where? Sacred space may be a structure but there are many parts of nature which evoke a sense of sacredness. We feel a connection to something bigger than ourselves. Native Americans often revered a special tree for its powers, or a hallowed place for the spiritual energies it manifested. As a nation, we have disrespected Native Americans, as well as their sacred spaces. If the feeling of a space in some way gives praise to God, someone may consider it sacred. It behooves each of us to be aware and sensitive to this point.
Obviously, what is sacred to me may not be sacred to you. Some may say religion is sacred and spirituality is not, or vice versa. However, in order for humans to live in harmony with each other and our Mother Earth, each of us must respect that which is sacred to another. Sacredness comes in all shapes and sizes, like a cow in India, or the Holy Grail in Medieval times. As our world becomes smaller and our interactions with others become more global, it is our responsibility to understand the sacredness of all people throughout the world, and to help them understand the sacredness in us. Reiki is a powerful means of helping us balance our energies and bring more light into the world. Are you ready to expand your perceptions?
