Yes, even your every day life is sacred
There is much that could be debated about Celtic spirituality and the history of Celtic Christianity, but one thing we know for sure is the monastic nature of Celtic Christianity.
The monastic life was one of a shared daily rhythm of prayer and work. There is much that we can learn from this way of life. Three things stand out for me.
First, the sacredness of the mundane.
Second, the intentionality of relationship.
Third, the focus on action beyond words. For the next three days we will focus on each of these practices. Today, I want us to spend some time reflecting on the sacredness of the mundane.
The sacredness of the mundane seems at first to be a concept that exists purely in thought. It does not seem to be something that can be practiced. However, learning to live as if the mundane is sacred is not something we are able to do just by changing our thoughts about a particular activity. We don’t begin to think that washing dishes, cleaning clothes, or walking the dog are sacred by simply telling ourselves that they are sacred activities. This is partly because, in most mundane actions, we are constantly confronted with the very earthy nature of the tasks. We are confronted by smells, sights, and experiences that most of us would rather avoid.
So how do we practice the sacredness of the mundane?
For me, the first step is slowing down, learning not to view these mundane activities as tasks to be achieved but as moments for
reflection. Maybe in that moment of slowing down, you will have an opportunity to discover a spark of joy. This could look like slowing down enough to notice the stain in a top you were wearing, and it reminds you of the joy of a shared meal with friends. This could look like walking the same route you do every day with your dog and noticing a new flower or plant that has bloomed. This could be as simple as enjoying the sunlight coming through the window at your kitchen sink.
Remember, this isn’t always going to be the case, the idyllic examples I have provided come infrequently, but that is why this is a practice. It takes repetition and focus, and the more we practice learning to see the sacred in the mundane, the better we will become at spotting it.
Affirmation: As I slow down and settle into the rhythm of my daily life, may I live a life of reflection. May I see the sparks of joy that are waiting to be discovered in the mundane more clearly.
Written by: William Gibson from @thespacebetweenuk
Written by Liz Milani
Instagram: @thepracticeco
From this week’s guest series "The Sacredness of Every Day Things" this week, with a subscription, in the App.
