“Sometimes it is necessary to reteach a thing its loveliness.”
~Galway Kinnell
Although you may not realize it, your everyday life is already sacred. It’s a matter of the perspective you bring to it.
A friend told me that she is starting to become more aware of things in her life she never noticed before.
She now loves it when someone unexpected shows up at her door. She flows through the day responding with ease to most things. And she is attuned with all her senses when she takes a walk outside.
These are new experiences for her, but this deepening awareness has always been available. Things aren’t becoming more tender or sacred. The appearance of the leaves and rocks hasn’t changed.
What’s changed? Her perspective.
Rather than living in mental noise, she’s available to directly experience what’s present.
She moves more slowly so there’s space to see and appreciate everything.
She’s aware and grateful—and her heart is touched over and over.
Discovering What’s Sacred
This is the sacred in everyday life.
When something is known as sacred, it has a quality that is beyond the material, physical world. It’s not subject to the mind’s analysis, judgment, or interpretation.
It is illuminated by grace. It may look ordinary, but as we’re with it with nothing in the way, we stand in awe of its very existence.
Recognizing the sacred all around us—which includes ourselves—we take nothing for granted. Then everyone and everything is a gift, a surprise, an expression of the light of consciousness.
Oh, the puddles of rain outside my window! I get to breathe! I hold my friend who just lost her husband.
Most of us need reminders—a gentle tap on the shoulder that invites us out of the mind’s noise and into the living reality of this now moment.
And this is where rituals and practices are helpful.
A friend has an altar at home that she visits in reverence every morning. Another steeps himself in books describing the exquisiteness of being present in nature. And another starts the day with a guided meditation that grounds her in presence.
Your Rituals and Practices
There are countless ways to remind yourself of the sacred quality of everything. Here are some suggestions:
- Set an alarm with soft chimes to awaken you to presence any time during the day;
- Pair a conscious breath with a common action, such as standing up or feeling the urge to check your email;
- Read or listen to something that inspires you before you turn out the light at night or just upon waking;
- Offer a prayer of gratitude before you start eating a meal;
- Commit to slowing down and being aware when you find yourself rushing.
The mind may tell you that if you were really far along on your path of awakening, you wouldn’t need rituals and practices. But love will tell you something different.
Give yourself permission to do whatever it takes to absorb into the experience of being aware. Come up with actions that bring you back to the spaciousness beyond your personal self, and incorporate them into your daily life.
With each moment of consciously being aware, you’re here, experiencing the sacred in everyday life, peaceful, free, and utterly alive.
Deb S. says
Hi Gail. Every morning, I come back to presence by sitting with a hot cup of tea and reading one of the three books by Adyashanti that I’ve been reading for years now. This ritual sets the tone for the day. Also, I stay awake for any glimmer of annoyance, judgement, fear, etc. throughout the day, and when I feel that resistance, I consider it a beautiful red flag….an act of grace, giving me the opportunity to explore the lesson presenting itself. Deb
Connie Mac says
I love that, Deb. A beautiful red flag.
Gail Brenner says
Yes, yes, and yes, Deb! I feel the peace through your words…
Connie Mac says
Gail,
Your writing inspires me, centers me and encourages me over and over.
Thank you
Gail Brenner says
It is my pleasure, Connie! Sending a big hug your way….
Shan says
Lately I have been more conscious and present when eating. I find myself slowing down and actually tasting my food to ensure enjoyment. Also watering my grass in the evening has become synonymous to meditation. Xoxo
Gail Brenner says
You’re the second person mentioning being present when eating, Shan. A beautiful reminder…
Shenae says
Hi I simply go outside where I feel most underneath a large apple tree that is in my backyard. Out there I am in tune with myself as well as the frequency of nature by simply being, mindfully eating or reading a book. I am present and being outside where I notice the shape of a cloud, or the bird singing is everything.
Thank you for your meditative post! XOXOX
Shenae says
*Alive*
Gail Brenner says
You are so welcome, Shenae!
Decatur Sinclair says
My ritual is to start every day with beautiful music. I love Hilary Stagg on Pandora.
TIm says
I stumbled across your post by accident. It’s very insightful.
Gail Brenner says
Thank you for stopping by, Tim. Glad you found this post helpful.