Living a Sacred Life in the Modern World
What does it mean to live a sacred life in our modern society? I think about this a fair amount. How is it possible to connect to the sacred each day, going to work, raising a child, and existing in a capitalistic society with massive inequality? It can feel difficult to create a sacred space in the middle of strip malls. I’ve been cultivating several practices that help me feel connected to God and allow me to live a sacred life even in the middle of this world. Here they are in no particular order:
- Living in the moment: living in each moment fully, releasing thoughts about the past and the future, is a very sacred space to exist in and truly helps love and light arise in my heart. If you have read of The Power of Now, this book goes into great depth about this approach to life.
- An altar: I have a small altar that I have in my guest room/meditation room. It has a candle and some stones. Sometimes I put pictures or cards on it. It is not complicated, and I don’t know much about making an altar. It is a place I can sit where I meditate and pray. Just lighting the candle helps me immediately connect to a place that is bigger than my own small world.
- Writing: writing reminds me to connect to a larger world and to God. It helps me reach a place of peace in my heart, and helps me remember who I am.
- Meditation and yoga practices: When I have time, I like to meditate before bed, and try to practice yoga in the morning when I wake up. These practices help clear the clutter of my mind and help me open my heart.
- Prayer: Praying is a wonderful thing to do, and I pray many times throughout the day. My favorite prayers are prayers of thankfulness and gratitude, as well as the 23rd Psalm and the Our Father.
- Reading sacred texts and spiritual literature: I love to read books that bring me wisdom, truth, and guidance. They are points of light in my world.
Those are some ways that I keep my connection to the spiritual world strong while living in the modern world. I do often wish I could opt out, go live in a cave or the forest, and meditate or pray all day, but I know that my life is here now, with my family, and in this world. Keeping my connection strong with these practices helps me to keep my light alive and my connection to God strong.
What are your sacred practices? I’d love to hear from you!
