Week Reflection No.5

Sacred space. Now, this was not discussed in-depth since the first week of my reflections. I thought it was about time I returned back to it, to discuss my own opinions and values regarding sacred space.This week, in Study of Religion, we looked at the importance of our own values and it how it connects with not only our spirituality, but our sacred space as well. We were taken outside for roughly ten to fifteen minutes, where we sat in silence individually and relaxed in a sacred space, whilst contemplating on our relationship with our God and our spirituality as a whole.

A person reflecting in their own sacred space

I did my best to sit down in my own quiet and sacred area, being cautious not to be distracted by my friends or any other anomalies. The first thing I did for five minutes, when I sat down was look around, but without destroying my sacred space. I was surrounded by trees and shrubs, but I could also see the leaves on the lush grass. This gave me a peaceful feeling, and for the next five minutes I decided to close my eyes. I could faintly hear the birds chirping, the wind blowing, people chatting quietly in the distance - yet, it was still a sense of peace. After this, I began to finally reflect on the conventions of my spirituality - such as my morals, values and opinions. At this, I began to realise some of my values consisted of treating others as equals, being humble in all things, a healthy devotion to God and of course a cautious reading of the sacred text, or in other words the Bible. As a Christian, I still believe sacred space is very important to me, as it gets my bearings and allows me not only to pray to God more efficiently, but also understand where I am at with my spirituality.

A representation of spiritual enlightenment

I also was able to reflect back on my life's accomplishments, when I decided to become a Christian and the history of my journey with my spirituality. I realised it had been quite a rough one, and that it had never been an even line of "being a Christian all my life". However, now that I am one, I feel that I can value other things too such as generosity and faith. Another realization, when I was meditating in my sacred space, is that by following these values, it made me more happier and more fulfilled. Truly, I asked myself - why do I even have a religion? Why am I Christian? I realized it is because it helps paint a purpose in my life, and allows me to walk a path which teaches me ethics and moral codes which are essential to having a fruitful life, whilst connecting with God and thanking him for the fruit that he has grown in my life as well.