This is 5 of 40 weekly PoPs (Places of Pause). OUR FOCUS: Surrounded by Sacred

There are many ways to connect with the Sacred … that Something or Someone greater than you. It’s stunning to see the diverse ways in which people cultivate this part of themselves—within and outside of religious communities; in buildings of worship and outside in nature; practicing yoga, prayer, and meditation; and on and on.

We have golden opportunities throughout much of life to learn from and listen to the varied ways others foster their spiritual journeys. Transparency about what matters to each of us, and being open to the same in others, can create magnificent bridges of connection. These bridges are particularly paramount in places of division—whether within our intimate relationships or in our local neighborhoods or distant countries.

I believe, with all my heart,
that the time is now
to create a community
with arms flung open
to each other,
in places of similarity and difference,
whether – or not – we share the same language, faith, politics.

 

BE Still. Surrender.

I wonder, what do you most need in your heart,
in your body, in your soul at this moment?

You don’t need to know what it is.
You may just feel an ache,
or be worn out,
or happily content to sit down for a moment.

If there are a flurry of thoughts, let them flurry off.

Bid them farewell for now. Here, you just get to be.
Be and breathe.
Stay here for a few moments longer.

 

Ponder. Go Deeper.

How might you, your community, and our world be different if we did not reject other faith communities? How comfortable are you sitting with and listening to those with different spiritual beliefs than you? Do you try to change them and attempt to make them understand your way? Or, do you hide your spiritual beliefs or big parts of yourself in fear that others will reject you if they see this part of you?

 

Engage. Commit.

A nudge. This week, reach out with curiosity, in your unique way, to someone of a different faith. Have a conversation. Ask questions and listen.

 

For a guided Place of Pause (PoP), check out this PDF reading excerpt from Live Ablaze & Soulfully Ablaze, the video below about today’s PoP, or the complete video series (all are free) of 10-minute PoPs.

 

 

I share these PoPs because boy, oh, boy! Do I ever need ’em! And, I hope that they create a place in which you can BE STILL, FILL UP with peace, and navigate all that is wild and crazy in life with strength and courage. There is much clamoring for our attention 24-7 with LOUD, FEAR-based, PANIC-inducing messages – but let’s practice peace, together, amidst these stormy days. Not only are we better, together, but dare I say that our lives depend on it now more than ever?

Slow down. Don’t rush. Be still.
As you do, remember:
You are loved.
You belong.
We belong to each other.

xo, -Sarah DT ❤️🙏🏻🌏

 

P.S. If you are interested in joining our Seeds community in our care for families who are in need of safe, clean water in India, you can either make a one-time donation or join our giving community by setting up a monthly donation which will be initially applied to this fundraiser and continue throughout the year as you join us to partner with communities around the world.