We all have Sacred Vows that we have made with God, with others, or with ourselves. Some are current, and some were made at a very early age. Sometimes these vows are organic, and somehow they get formalized over time, and sometimes these Vows are declarations that become sinew and evolve into an essential part of our philosophical fabric. Whichever and however, these are touch stones-these are guiding lights that define us, direct us and distinguish us from others.
Much like the sacred vows of marriage, when not adhered to, we take a deep dive into darker waters. We as a species will be used by some kind of conversation, it is our intrinsic nature. We don’t have anything to say about being used, we might have something to say about what uses us. So then, if not your Sacred Vows, some other contractual arrangement will be at the wheel.
Sacred Vows can cover many different terrains. They can be philosophical, they can be structural, they can be ontological, they can be material. They can start as reactive and become creative. A Sacred Vow can take many different forms.
We really only see the commonality of a Sacred Vow in its absence. When one is not true to their Vows, there is Internal Noise in the form of self-abuse and or guilt. I remember from an early age that being Free was the most important thing in my life. It wasn’t money or accomplishment but the idea of Freedom and then more Vows grew from that. I thought to myself, “I am not going to live a timid life. I am not going to try and stay alive but I was going live a full life.”That Vow has had me take risks, be adventurous, be daring, and stay vital. I also remember that I did not want want to be like my Dad. I loved my dad, but I didn’t want his qualities. What started as a reaction and not wanting to be him has alchemized into my own footprint.
I made some sort of Sacred Vow about constantly evolving and never retiring. I have a Sacred Vow about vanity not vain, but vanity. So that means staying in shape, staying healthy, staying current. I have a Vow about being generous and looking after others and being responsive to others. I have also have had visceral experiences when I have violated my Vows and blown-up my life.
There are things we have said at such an early age, that sometimes seem so random and have no seeming connection to our family of origin and/or our environment, and yet they are so essentially us.
Sacred Vows are similar to walking a tightrope. It requires balance, courage, and absolute focus.
Don’t look down. Look to be true.