Sacred Ground

Sacred Ground in Dartington.

In our third Session of the Autumn/Winter Term on November 2nd 2011 we continued to explore the Physical or Assiyatic dimension of the Tree of Life through ideas and practices to create sacred space. Here are some notes from our session:

Our first sacred ground is within our own bodies and spiritual practices, such as the energy body meditations we have been practicing, are a significant way of re-sacralising this ground of our being. When we give kind awareness to each part of the body and gently listen to its tensions and pains, we are engaged in conscious transformation and healing. Every time we imagine a flow of light or warmth or breath within us, we become a little clearer, a little more in touch with being a vessel for God and for good. So it's worth persevering with these simple practices and letting them gradually transform us.

Our next sacred ground is our home. If we are able, we can set aside a room or corner as a sanctuary space. We may not be able to dedicate a physical space in our homes in this way all the time, but even for a time each day or each week, consciously seeing an ordinary space as sacred can transform the energy of our home and bring heaven to earth. Remember how the Israelites took their tabernacle with them through their nomadic life and kept recreating their sacred space within each new place they came to.

A simple focus such as a candle or something of beauty and inspiration, when carefully and consciously placed, can make an altar out of anything from a simple shelf or windowsill to the kitchen table. Combine this with regular and conscious use, such as lighting a candle before meals, saying a prayer or blessing or spending some time in meditation… It doesn't matter if you are the only one in your home who knows the deeper purpose of that vase of flowers or who silently prays a blessing as plates are brought to the table or an email sent… for not only will such practices transform your experience of homely life, they will quietly touch the lives of those around you too.

A similar awareness can be brought to moving out into our locality. Why not make an ordinary walk, a walking meditation? No special techniques are needed, simply a conscious decision to be fully present to what and who you meet along the way. I like to take circular walks from my home that connect me with all different aspects of my locality, and not just the beautiful bits! To touch tarmac as well as earth, bless the petrol station as well as the river… With awareness, anywhere we visit can be sacred ground and while we might choose some places to nourish us, others we might choose to nourish, in any way from picking up litter to praying blessings or being there in meditation.

Moving further still, we can make pilgrimages to special or troubled places in our country and our world, to receive inspiration and healing or to give our support. These may be physical visits or the practical support of work or charity donations, but they can equally well be meditative visits and the support of prayer and distant healing.