The word sacred often evokes images of stained glass, quiet chapels, and holy rituals - but sacredness lives far beyond church walls. According to the dictionary, sacred means “connected with God or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration.” It also means “regarded with respect and reverence.” If we pause and look inward, we find that sacredness is not confined to religion, but can be something personal, intimate, and meaningful.
To me, sacred refers to anything that holds a deep, unshakable importance in your life. It’s not just what you love - it’s what you cannot do without. It’s the thread that weaves through your life, anchoring you to meaning. In a world that often pulls our attention in multiple directions, identifying what’s sacred to you becomes an act of clarity and courage. For me, sacred brings to mind quiet reflection time in environments that nourish us.
How do we identify what’s sacred in our lives?
Start by reflecting on your core values. What makes you feel most alive? Most grounded? Most whole? Most connected? Most valued? It could be creativity, connection, freedom, peace, or something entirely unique to you. It could be faith, relationship, or nature. What can you not live without? What beliefs are non-negotiable?
Once you define what is sacred to you, the next challenge is this: how do you make space for it? Because sacredness doesn’t appear out of nowhere, it is specifically chosen and is unique to each individual. It is tied to purpose. It is experienced differently, depending on the rituals and habits you define and practice.
When you know what is truly sacred to you, it is essential to designate the time and space to honor it. Crafting simple practices and personal rituals can provide opportunities to pay attention to what really matters to you. Whether it's a walk in the woods, a moment of quiet with your morning tea, or holding a set of beads in meditation, sacredness lives in the ordinary. It’s in the breath you take before speaking. The way you center yourself before a meeting. The connections you cherish, and the values you believe in.
Making space might mean carving out 15 minutes each morning to read, meditate, pray, or breathe. It may be creating opportunities to be alone and still. It might even mean saying no to something good in order to say yes to something better.
Searching for the sacred in our lives is not just an idea filled with pretty words or empty intentions. It is a constant invitation to return to what fuels us, grounds us, and fills our cup. Slowing down to celebrate the sacred things in life brings fulfillment and deeper meaning to our lives.
Sacredness is not reserved for the holy, rather it is finding what is holy amongst the moments of everyday life. Creating space for the sacred isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it.