The sublime

[clevermanka]

rowangolightly wrote in her LJ today:
"It's a very homey and homely thing but sacred in the doing and if done with consciousness,
is Blessed regardless of the religion being practiced or lack of it, for that matter."

Her entry reflects on autumn, and her feelings about harvesting the garden they planted this spring. It reminded me of a conversation I had with 0verdrive a long time ago, about how differently we viewed religion and spirituality. For me, the sacred is mostly internal. Anything can be an act of religion (or pick your word) if done with the right mind. Grocery shopping in a quiet store on Sunday morning is a spiritually rewarding act for me. So is cooking, sewing, or crafts (again, if done with the right mind).

I don't need to participate with a group or be led by a priest/master/whatever to reap spiritual benefits from an activity. I don't even use the tools of a solitary anymore. In fact, I recently used my ritual knife to break down boxes. Now that's practical magic. I do keep a minimal altar, but mostly to help keep myself in the correct mindset. I don't believe the three on my dresser care one way or the other if I leave them up or light candles for them. They merely act as a focal point for my own intent. Please understand, I don't think people who feel differently are wrong or any less enlightened than I am. Different strokes. That's cool.

But back to the point: I've let too much of my life happen to me lately. I've not been doing much of anything with intent. I have brief moments of clarity and purpose, but they quickly fade and I return to passivity. I need to take some time to do things with consciousness. I will focus intent on both the sacred and the mundane.

Chop wood. Carry water.

Comments

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

You view the world much as I do, my dear.

And I find myself much in the same place mentally.

Intent...it's about time I made my life my own once again.


D.

[grnvixen.livejournal.com]

I don't need to participate with a group or be led by a priest/master/whatever to reap spiritual benefits from an activity.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Oh how right you are!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Ironically, we are both in the same place, needing the same thing, in regards to something that one must do alone.

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

Yes! Thanks for link to it so I could read this. That's precisely what I meant.

Doing everything, every daily activity with a feeling of gratitude, of conscious purpose, no matter how mundane makes the doing sacred and filled with magic.

Practical magic indeed.

*hug*

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

And a hug to you for sparking the thought.

[green-tara76.livejournal.com]

Anything can be an act of religion (or pick your word) if done with the right mind.
ITA. Often in the mundane I can feel the divine. But lately, I haven't been feeling much at all. Thank you for reminding me to wake up and do something about it.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

What's ITA?

And baby, I'm so sorry about NOLA. What did you decide to do?

[green-tara76.livejournal.com]

In Total Agreement (with you regarding previous statement.)
We tried to get the plane tix transferred to another destination (Chicago or Vegas). The airline would waive a change-ticket fee, but we'd have to pay for today's (last-minute) fare (additionally jacked-up over the gas shortage scare) to anywhere else. Making the whole thing too costly.
So, we are renting a hotel room downtown for two nights, going to a couple of swanky dinners, First Friday, clubhopping, shopping, brunching, and having a spa day instead. We'll have fun. But, sigh. Like I said, I'm just glad NOLA's not in the Gulf right now. Oh, I WILL go. Maybe for Jazz Festival! **plots**

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Cool. I'm glad the weekend won't be cancelled.

[starstraf.livejournal.com]

I say that my internal religion is pagan but my external is UU.
Paganism is how I personally relate to the gods - my fav sacred act is doing dishes after a big meal with fiends, reflecting on the time that was had and the bounty we have.
UU is how I relate to society, how I worship in group (though that is specifically UU as it is in C/U not how it is here)

[alt-rorschach.livejournal.com]

Recongnizing the wonder in everyday life and living with intent is not easy nor natural because anything of value is never easy. It is the human way - to be focused on the daily requirements of houseing, clothing, feeding and entertaining yourself. People are easily distracted by "shiny" objects of all sorts. You will always have to remind yourself to take a breath, step back and take the next step with purpose. But don't beat yourself up over it. You are a very clear minded person and you'll probably have to remind yourself far less often than most with your calmer, more focused persona. Definately less often than my overly intense self so there's something to be greatful for already :) Have a fantastic day of spiritual housework - I really miss you!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Thank you for such wonderful words. I miss you, too.