Journal of Sacred Work

   Most of us want to distill extensive and complex thinking down to a few simple ideas we can remember. Otherwise, how can we translate esoteric notions into ideas we can live? Although this will always be a practice in over-simplification, key thoughts, summarized in a few sentences, can be a starting point from which we can develop our thinking and our life behaviors. Meaningful ideas are never simple.

   After all, we cannot describe the essence of beauty. Portraying a rose through painting, photograph, music or poem can never reach the deepest meaning of her beauty. But, we can choose to be present to her rather than simply glancing and then rushing on to the next thing. We can experience Love and do our best to share it.

   Below are some of the sentences that guide the practice of Radical Loving Care. I don't offer them as some kind of list to memorize but only as a way to capsilize of foundational beliefs and practices for caregivers. 

1) "God is Love."

   The above sentence from 1 John is the center of Radical Loving Care. There is no more important sentence than this. God is not like Love, God is Love. Since God is Light & God is Beauty.

2) Live Love, not fear.

   Part of the importance of this sentence is that it may highlight for us how much of our lives we currently live in fear: fear of losing our jobs, fear of losing money, fear of losing a certain relationship, fear of illness and injury. The only way to deal with fear is to replace it with Love.

3) Where attention goes, energy flows.

   This sentence is so useful in living Radical Loving Care. Do your thoughts tend to fall into negative patterns? If so, this sentence can be a powerful reminder of our ability to shift our attention along more powerful pathways. Some people try to do this by telling themselves NOT to think certain things. This approach doesn't work because in order to stop thinking of something, you have to think of it.

4) Take care of the people who take care of people.

   This is the single most important job any leader has in a caregiver setting. If leaders take care of, and love, their fellow staff members, Love can flourish.

5) "He (or she) who has a why, can bear almost any how."

   This sentence, first framed by the philosopher Nietzsche, was adopted by Dr. Victor Frankl and converted into one of the most powerful philosophies in the world. When we have found our life purpose and followed it, all things are possible. When we haven't, nothing important can be accomplished.

6) Have fun and live with passion. Take your work seriously, not yourself. If we are interested in living with humility, a sense of humor is essential. Live passionately. No one has ever accomplished anything important by living safely.

7) Whatever the question, Love is the answer.

   I invite you to reflect on these seven sentences, to convert them into language that fits your own life, and to engage these thoughts as positive energy. They will inform your practice of living Love, not fear.

   Here is one last question:  What is the most loving thing you have done today? This question is a great way to raise your consciousness and focus your energy.

   Whenever we live Love, we always benefit others…and ourselves.

-Rev. Erie Chapman

Photo of rose by Dane Dakota