Vision and Mission
Because linear action plans are not enough to sustain social action, we need to root our action in something deeper, a greater common ground, a wellspring of justice. The sacred refers to that which we hold dear – and worthy of reverence -- regarding values and meaning. At regular, local gatherings, the expressed purpose of which is to share what each other holds sacred and build compassion, we can, over time, build the depth of trust required to both celebrate and bridge differences between us so that we can co-create a world that works for all.
By creating local, accessible spaces to gather across traditional divides, learn the skills of compassion and reflection, and develop the trust needed to move social action forward, we will build the collaborative capacity needed to address adaptive challenges.
These nonsectarian, nonideological places are communities of practice based on human values of care, empathy, and deep reflection and serve as sources of public renewal – as we experience what it feels like to be connected as humanity and connect to our best selves.
By proliferating a simple model of gathering, more people can increase their inner capacity and ability to connect with others, and by extension, humanity’s collective ability to work together toward sustainable solutions. Such gathering spaces become even more important in pluralistic societies.
A place for spiritual growth rooted in wisdom traditions and behavioral science:
Research has now proven that contemplation changes the very structure, and function, of our brain. This is a key reason that it is a wellspring for just action. This is why world peace is predicated upon inner peace. This is why regular spiritual practice of society’s individuals is a prerequisite for the political and economic change required to address needs of sustainability.
A Sacred Space gathering includes community support for spiritual practice and provides an accessible place to receive it. To place those spiritual practices in the context of our wisdom traditions (the narratives and practices of world religions that reflect all of humanity) grounds spiritual development in a more illuminating narrative than only that of the individual ego.
A place for “Spiritual but not Religious” people to gather in an interfaith context:
Sacred Space is a place where people who have been either disinterested or disenfranchised by organized religion can connect to meet the sacred and learn reflective practices in a non-dogmatic, non-creedal way. More than one wisdom tradition is always honored, which cultivates the felt sense of spiritual freedom and the greater union shared by humankind that is beyond religious divisions.
A public place to reweave a sacred narrative of what it means to be human:
The movement of consciousness development needs to move beyond its buildings, digital networks, and cults of personality into so-called secular space to be both accessed and informed by the mainstream public. Interdisciplinary space greatly supports the ontological dialogue that is needed in our postmodern society.
A place for deeper connection, sense of belonging, and meaning-making:
Deeper relationships are cultivated through communal spiritual practice, safe space for deep dialogue, generous listening and sustained connection to the sacred in the midst of ordinary life.