Remaking Your Own World
‘Many creation myths say it took only six days to make the world. It will take us a little longer to remake our own. But we can begin where Spirit did by declaring that there be Light to illuminate our journey of self-discovery.
The Quaker tradition teaches that this Light is with each of us. The Quakers, or members of the Religious Society of Friends, are a perfect example of individuals who manage the delicate balance of living in the world but not belonging to it. This is because they refuse to segment their lives into the Sacred and the secular. Instead, Quakers believe that all of life’s daily experiences are spiritual in nature, from preparing a family meal to protesting political policy. The British writer George Gorman has observed that “the essence of Quaker spirituality is the certainty that everything we do has religious significance. It is not putting ourselves off from life but entering deeply and fully into it.”
Simplicity is the common thread that stitches together Quaker lives, homes, and dresses. Their weekly worship service, or Meeting, is a silent meditation. Rhythm, reverence, and reflection are their hallmarks. These touchstones can help us as well as we attempt to remake our personal world.
Restoring a sense of rhythm to our lives is the first step. How much rhythm do you have in your personal world? Children are not the only ones who need regular bedtimes, mealtimes, and quiet times. Their mothers do too. Think of the steady, reassuring rhythm of the natural world- the ebb and flow of the tides, the recurring cycle of the four seasons, the monthly phases of the moon, and the daily progression from day into night. Rhythm needs to be the cornerstone in our personal world as well. All of us lead busy lives, some more frantic and frazzled than others. We need to learn where to draw the line and how to say “no”.
Today be willing to reflect quietly in the role that rhythm plays in your daily life, Your heart will always tell you what’s working and what’s not. Restoring rhythm to the way you conduct your affairs can bring you contentment and a sense of well-being that will nurture and sustain you when the cares of the world can’t be left behind.’ -Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
Amen, sister.
What is working in your life and what is not?
Learn to say no- draw that line.
Let the light shine as we take this journey.
Your new world starts now.
I love that the Quakers don't separate the sacred from the secular. Just think if we did everything as if it had a spiritual significance. What a change it would make in our lives! No more running around chasing meaningless goals and prizes and attention.
So very true Marci. This year, I am on a search for simplicity!
Thank you so much for reading! Drop by any time!