Part 2: Reclaiming The 'Sacred' in Modern Life

Welcome back to the Sacred Changemakers series. In this second part, we delve into reclaiming the 'sacred' in modern life. We explore what it means to bring the sacred back into our daily lives and business practices and how this can create profound personal and collective transformation. If you missed the first part of the series, you can read it here .

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray." – Rumi

When my spirit guides, the Elders, first asked me to start a business called "Sacred Changemakers," I was a little stunned. For those of you who don't know me, I have spent over three decades working in conscious leadership, business strategy, and organizational development as a coach and consultant to some of the world's most iconic brands. I had not anticipated my career taking a turn towards the 'sacred.'

It felt edgy and, if I'm honest... downright scary.

Yes, I have a deep relationship with spirit personally, but business? Surely that was not a place that would welcome the idea of "sacred"?

I had also worked with coaches and thought that it might be a better world to bring this idea forward. It didn’t help that whenever I typed 'sacred' into my computer, the spellchecker changed it to 'scared.' I was beginning to wonder if it was a sign from the Universe!

So, I turned to some trusted colleagues for advice. Their responses showed a distinct pattern: they all loved the word 'changemakers,' but the word 'sacred' got the thumbs down from everyone. My head was saying "no," but my heart and soul were a deep "yes."

I didn't know exactly what I was saying 'yes' to, but I knew I had to follow this calling. I began with a podcast to have conversations with others who were called to this work, and step by step, the path began to emerge in front of me.

By now, I've had almost 150 conversations with "Sacred Changemakers" from all over the world, and it's fascinating how mainstream this conversation is becoming.

?? Listen to the Sacred Changemakers Podcast here

Becoming a Sacred Changemaker

So, let's unpack what it means to become a "Sacred Changemaker." It's an ever-evolving concept, but this is what I've learned so far...

It’s time to reclaim the word "sacred" from organized religion and bring it back into modern life. The term "sacred" means to evoke a sense of reverence, sanctity, and deep respect. It is often associated with something holy or divine, transcending the mundane aspects of everyday life.

In the context of "Sacred Changemakers," sacredness is about recognizing the inherent value and dignity of all beings and the interconnectedness of life. It calls us to honor the profound mystery of existence and to live with a heightened awareness of our world's beauty and fragility.

Being a sacred changemaker means integrating this sense of sacredness into our daily lives and actions. It involves acknowledging the sacred within ourselves, others, and the wider world. This connection to the sacred is organic, timeless, and a natural way of being, even though many of us have become disconnected from this part of our existence or have learned that it only happens in church.

Understanding that all of life is sacred (that includes your life, too!) can manifest through various practices and beliefs, whether through spirituality, religion, or a deep commitment to personal and communal well-being. For many of us, this journey begins with self-reflection and an exploration of our inner world. By cultivating practices such as meditation, prayer, or mindfulness, we can all tap into a deeper sense of purpose and clarity. This deep inner work is essential for developing the compassion, empathy, and resilience needed to navigate the complexities of life and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Cultivating a Lived and Felt Sense of the Sacred

When I considered embracing the 'sacred' in my life, a powerful impulse began to grow within me. It just felt right.

I soon realized that cultivating a lived and felt sense of the sacred requires intentionality and a commitment to integrating sacred practices into our daily lives. This approach may feel different from mainstream practices, but when embraced fully, it can profoundly shift our relationship with life. By deepening our experience, building confidence and self-esteem, and reconnecting us to our purpose, these practices provide direction and make life more meaningful. Additionally, they connect our lives and work to something far greater than ourselves, fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness.

Embracing the sacred allows us to see the world through a lens of reverence and wonder, enriching our personal and professional lives. It enhances our resilience, emotional well-being, and ability to navigate challenges gracefully. Moreover, cultivating the sacred helps us develop a more compassionate and empathetic outlook, encouraging us to contribute positively to our communities and the world.

Here are some examples of sacred practices that can help you cultivate this profound sense of connection and purpose:

1. Rituals and Ceremonies: Engaging in rituals and ceremonies can be a powerful way to connect with the sacred. Whether it's a daily practice of gratitude, a weekly gathering for communal worship, or a seasonal celebration of nature's cycles, these rituals help ground us in the present moment and foster a sense of belonging and interconnectedness.
2. Nature Connection: Spending time in nature and recognizing its inherent beauty and wisdom can awaken a profound sense of sacredness. Activities such as walking in the woods, gardening, or simply sitting by a body of water can help us reconnect with the natural world and remind us of our place within it.
3. Art and Creativity: Engaging in creative expression can be a sacred practice. It allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and bring forth beauty and meaning. Whether through painting, writing, music, or dance, creativity enables us to explore and express the sacred dimensions of our experience.
4. Service and Compassion: Acts of service and compassion towards others are fundamental to the practice of sacredness. By helping those in need, advocating for justice, and caring for the vulnerable, we embody the principles of sacred changemaking and contribute to creating a more compassionate and equitable world.

These practices not only deepen our personal experience but also enhance our connection to others and the larger world, creating a life imbued with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. By integrating these sacred practices, we can transform our everyday lives into a continuous, sacred journey of growth, connection, and positive impact.

The Role of the Sacred in Changemaking

I began to play with the notion of 'sacred' in my coaching and consulting, bringing the conversation to CEOs and many boardroom strategy meetings. I remember the first time I found the courage to ask a C-Suite team experiencing deep conflicts and diminishing profits what would be different if they considered their life, leadership, and business to be sacred.

The room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. The CEO was speechless. I was beginning to feel like I might have made the biggest mistake of my career when the CEO looked up and said, "This changes everything."

At that moment, there was a collective exhale, and the conversations shifted from the strategic, measurable outcomes needed to deliver to stakeholders to the deeper purpose they were collectively engaged within.

Incorporating the sacred into our efforts for change transforms how we approach our work and relationships. It encourages us to move beyond purely transactional or individually focused interactions to embrace a more holistic and integrative perspective. Sacred changemakers understand that true transformation requires not only external actions but also a deep inner alignment with values that honor life in all its forms.

Recognizing and nurturing the sacred creates a foundation for sustainable and meaningful change. This approach fosters a sense of purpose, integrity, and interconnectedness that can inspire others and build resilient, compassionate communities. As we embrace our roles as sacred changemakers, we contribute to a collective movement that seeks to heal, uplift, and transform our world.

After all, we're the ones who are answering the 'Sacred Invitation' and coming together as a global movement redefining business as a force for good.

Self-Reflective Questions:

1. Personal Sacredness: What practices or experiences in your life make you feel deeply connected to something greater than yourself? If you considered your life sacred, what would change?
2. Value Alignment: How do your daily actions reflect your core values and beliefs? Are there areas where you could better align your actions with your values?
3. Sacred Space: What physical or mental space can you create or enhance to connect more deeply with your sense of sacredness within?

Exercise:

Create a Sacred Ritual: Take some time to design a simple daily or weekly ritual that helps you connect with your sense of sacredness. This could be a moment of meditation, a walk in nature, or a gratitude journal. Reflect on how this practice enhances your sense of purpose and connection.

Stay tuned for the next part of our series, "Embracing Real Change - The Heartbeat of Our Future," coming soon. Make sure to follow me for updates!

Links to Previous and Next Articles:

• Previous Article: What It Means to Be a Sacred Changemaker: Shaping a Future for All
• Next Article: Embracing Change - The Heartbeat of Sacred Changemaking