I and my fellow congregants at Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist recently called a new minister to serve us. She’s only done two sermons so far, yet she’s already shared a concept I find to be amazing: the Sacred Response.
When someone makes a request of me, or when I’m contemplating a particular course of action, I ask myself if I view the request or proposed action with dread or a sense of imposition. If so, then my response is a Sacred No. I respond knowing I’m honoring myself by saying “no” to what does not serve me well. The additional benefit is that a thoughtful “no” is typically in other people’s best interests, as well -- because, seriously, who wants to work with an obligated person who begrudges the time and effort?
On the other hand, sometimes I know I can act on the request or action with a willing heart and without a sense of obligation or “should.” In this case, my answer is a Sacred Yes: I can take action knowing I’m honoring myself with a whole-hearted affirmative response, and I can confidently belief my actions will serve everyone well. Does that mean the action is necessarily easy or comfortable? Absolutely not. Does it mean I believe the action is the right one to take? Absolutely yes.
How about you? Have you ever said “yes” to something when a Sacred No would have served you and others better?
BTW, thanks to Ninian Reid for the "yes" image and sboneham for the "no" image. I found both in the Creative Commons section of Flickr.
Never miss out on a tool for power-washing that inner diamond of yours.
Sign up for my short, weekly posts that will help you to shine bright.
I won't spam you or share your information, because yuck.
