A Mundane Life
It has a been a number of weeks since Sacred River has seen a new post and for that I apologize. Alas, life got in the way. Fortunately, it has all been good changes, but they have nevertheless left little time for writing essays.
But that does make me think of something to mention. This is more of an invitation to ponder rather than a full examination, but that itself makes the topic relevant. One of the core themes of Sacred River is the notion that spirituality is not a distinct branch of living, such as family or education, but is infused into all parts of life. From this perspective, spirituality is an approach or orientation towards living, informing everything we do. Yes, there are times we can set aside for specifically religious activity, but those events should ideally enrich or expand upon one’s everyday spiritual self.
I mention this because my own life has been filled lately with the pragmatic and common—travel, work, school, relationship, home. If I were to list out everything I’ve been doing the last few weeks nothing really stands out as exceptional or unusual, much less spiritually transcendent. While transcendence is a perfectly acceptable spiritual goal, it is not one of our key aims, which include meaning, fulfillment, and joy. Part of what I’ve been trying to do recently is to take time each day to examine all the things I’m doing and to put them into perspective. By that, I mean I try to see things holistically, to see all these mundane activities as parts of a larger and far more magnificent whole. In doing so, I’m reminded of my place within the order of things and of the splendor that is ordinary life.
There are times when we need to disrupt, to challenge, and to grow. There are also times to celebrate and bask in the joy of living. And yet in other times, it is all we can do just to cope and keep our heads above water. How we approach all of these times determines to a very large degree what our life ends up meaning and how we perceive it. A significant part of spirituality involves this very question of how we approach things like disruption, growth, celebration, relaxation, and coping. Frankly, I have nothing very wise to say about what such an approach should be—that is ultimately up to each person to decide based upon their own genuine sense of self. But at the very least I can remind you that we have choices about such things. And that we have such choices at all is what makes us such astounding, miraculous creatures.
Very well put – reminds me of the Lennon song that says “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” I think spirituality involves being aware of that life which is going on all the time, mundane or otherwise.
I think the tasks of mundane life can be wonderfully meaningful and fulfilling, but often it takes extra effort for me to re-orient myself toward the sacred when there aren’t any obvious reminders.
This is one reason holidays (holy days) and celebrations are important. I’m trying to find more ways to mark ordinary milestones (seasonal, personal, etc.) and use those occasions for reflection.
Yesterday I put a green cloth on the kitchen table and added a bowl of fresh fruit and a vase of daffodils. I was alone and the house was quiet, and I felt a deep surge of gratitude for our life together and hope for a bright future. It wasn’t an elaborate ritual, just a moment in our sunny kitchen. I need to make more moments like that.
Small rituals like the one you mention are some of the most precious in my book. I too have to be reminded from time to time of the sacredness of ordinary life, but less so than when I was younger.
When nothing big happens and I’m busy running errands, I try to savor the small things of everyday life: a good meal for lunch, a talk with my girlfriend, doing my sports etc. Other times I need to keep my goals in sight which gives me strength on the way to reach it, be it working hard, or running many errands after work. I guess there really are multiple and different approaches. Good to have a place where we can share them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. At Sacred River, we don’t see life as corrupt and needing salvation, but as something sacred within itself. It’s in our nature to look past the small habits of living. Fortunately, we have the ability to choose to not only pay attention to our ordinary actions, but to alter our interpretations of them as well. That is quite extraordinary.
Today it’s Crane day here in Sweden. It’s not holiday, but a chance to celebrate the return of the cranes, the light, spring, melting of snow and the beauty Snowdrops growing. Always a good thing to be reminded of the connectedness of things!
I like your simple but beautiful ritual, Janet. It’s so easy to forget the value of our daily lives and that it is a thing to celebrate now and then.
One of the best places to cope with disruption is a sauna. Collect some friends, sit in the darkness and heat, talk, release, cry, massage and sing together. Sing songs for strength, for connection, for comradeship. Warmly (!) recommended!
Thanks Joakim…Crane Day…that’s wonderful. I especially appreciate your focus on connectivity. Depending on the angle at which we look at our place in the order of things, we can feel gratitude, pride, joy, and even deep humility. Thanks for connecting here at Sacred River