I'm in the midst of writing one blog and now something more pressing seems to be presenting. I could claim to be upholding a vision and commitment to see the first piece through to completion. Alternatively I could practice a new allegiance to what is calling for expression, now. I have plenty of experience at dogmatically clinging to some notion or task, while it does get it done - it suddenly occurs to me that just because I expended considerable energy and demonstrate vast productivity doesn't mean it was expended on what might have been a more worthwhile pursuit.
So the matter at hand is sacred space. What is it? Why does it matter? Does it matter? To begin with your home could be seen as sacred space. Perhaps you think... it's just where I live. I'm here because it's close to the school my kids go to or it was in my price range. I like the view. All of these could be true it's just not the perspective I am focusing on at the moment.
As your home, it is the place that no matter what has gone on out there in the world you can return to your own personal oasis. It could be, I would strongly suggest that it is, a refuge. In that respect it can be a place of peace, restoration, an outward manifestation of your creativity. As such I would say the home should be treated with the reverence and respect afforded a sacred temple. It is or ought to be, the safe haven of its owner/occupier therefore it warrants an active relationship of honouring, gratitude and appreciation.
Just as there can be held an air of reverence and sacredness - it is possible for a space to fall into desecration. Now I know living is a full time job and I'm therefore not advocating a hyper-vigilance around cleaning. I'm also not suggesting the adopting an energy of "should" or obligatory observance. I am coming to know for myself that the state of my living space has an impact on me. I haven't studied Feng shui - but I can experience the difference between disorder and clutter and clear space, simplicity and space for energy to flow. Currently my space is in disarray - I am in the process of clearing my parents home, for which there is a finite time frame and while I don't want everything that is over there I don't want to just get rid of everything without some due consideration because of the dictates of a deadline. Consequently my space is becoming cluttered. My intention is that this is a temporary state of upheaval, just the same while in it, I can observe the interplay and impact of what I think I want and or need, what I think I "might use someday" and what the invasion of this stuff does to the previous tranquility of my sacred space. Of course it must be duly noted that I am visiting the desecration upon myself in this instance. I mean this to be a completely non-judgmental observation - which can become a useful tool for ongoing mindfulness with respect to honouring what I specifically need to uphold the sanctity of what I hold sacred and my responsibility to do so.
Beyond the "brick and mortar" sacred space I would further suggest that there is a place that each of us spends even more time - that place of course is in our own body and being. No matter whether at home, work or traveling abroad we each reside within our body and live from the entirety of our being. Truly what could be more sacred than this vessel? Yet for a myriad of "reasons" how swiftly and insidiously can the sacred temple be allowed to slip into disrepair and under go desecration.
I am not an expert on thoughts and attitudes and their subsequent affect on overall wellness and vitality so I have nothing conclusive to say on the matter. I will say that I believe it unquestionably has an impact, so I believe there is value in the consideration of such ideas as "if you wouldn't let someone speak to a friend of yours in a derogatory and demeaning way - why would you speak and/or harbour such energy toward yourself?" I will leave that to each to examine for themselves.
I am suggesting that just as there is likely someone that is charged with the care and maintenance of some of the world's sacred holy temples - so it is for each of us, we are "in charge" of upholding the sanctity and the space within. This body houses my heart and soul as such it is indeed a rather significant vessel. It also makes possible anywhere I care to bring it - the outward manifestation and expression of divine qualites such as creativity, love, compassion, healing and being of service - to name a few.
It might be required for example to remove your shoes before entering some sacred places of worship, not an uncommon show of respect for the home of another as well, which as already discussed, is a sacred space. I submit that I lay a welcome mat at the entrance to my sacred space but no one be allowed to come stomping in wearing their dirty boots and then walk all over my altar. Absolutely not! Just as in the story of the master teacher Jesus in the temple - the desecrators in no uncertain terms, are asked to leave. Whether that actually occurred I know not - however the teaching within the story is of value to me. Take your shoes off, come join me in celebration of life and worship of the sacred at my altar. You are welcome while you come and uphold the intention of being here in an honouring way. If it is your intention to come and violate the sacred space, a reminder will be issued, if you don't wish to or can't align with this intention, then you will be asked to leave. This doesn't necessarily mean the door then, is permanently closed - it would depend on subsequent visits and willingness to observe the sacred.
The same reverence and respect could also be extended to how the sacred temple is nurtured in terms of good nutrition, some form of activity/exercise, proper rest, time spent in solitude (perhaps connecting to nature) prayer/meditation, keeping the mind active, ongoing learning and expansion.
What I am coming to realize is the walls of the temple will not come tumbling down, at least not immediately the moment neglect occurs. In fact they will often stand unwaveringly for years but there is a cost in the form of erosion of the integral structures and the quality of continuation is compromised. Though as I have suggested the stewardship of each of our sacred temples is a personal responsibility my experience is that the integrity of my temple is impacted positively or negatively by the quality of reverence, love and respect I offer at the altar of the temple of others as well.
This is not my version of "Sermon on the Mount" in other words I am seeing, the "log in my eye" presently, rather than just the sliver of wood in the eyes of those around me. In other words, the answer to the question: do I always take my shoes off before entering the temple belonging to others? is no, I do not. I sometimes think I know what is required to enter that temple and therefore walk right in. I haven't always understood the observances when they have been requested of me or am entirely ignorant of them to begin with - rather than ask, I have made assumptions and taken liberties or disregarded and therefore disrespected, what another holds sacred and have undeniably desecrated their altar.
I cannot presume a revolving door at all of these temples my lessons could and have been at times, ushered in with "access denied." It is for these reasons that I must further learn to humble myself at the door and pray that I remain so once inside. I must drop the assumptions and any pretense that I know. The richness and plenitude that is available cannot be demanded nor known in advance. I must present with an empty vessel and an attitude of allowing and then wait and see what is offered. Far too often I have been "the bull in the china shop."Pride, arrogance and self righteousness combine to produce a formidable wrecking ball. I have experienced the gifts that are made available through sensitivity, patience, kindness, openness and a true intention to connect and understand, they are exquisite, priceless and beyond compare.
The bottom line is I must go about the continued weeding of my own garden, acquire a good stiff broom and continue to sweep every nook and cranny of my temple. When I recognize fully the effort and importance of the work I do upon my own temple, when I experience the full impact of what desecration brings about, I won't just be a consumer of the welcome extended to me at the temple door of others - I will "be welcome."
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