Earlier today, I was speaking with someone about a concept that came to me a few years ago, that rings as true in this moment as it did back then. I was in a newly minted relationship with someone after a  series of relationship roller coaster rides that brought with it exhilirating highs and nearly crashing lows, peaks and valleys that had me fastening my seat belt and holding on for dear life. During a phone call that I made as I was taking an afternoon walk, the words “I hold your heart sacred,” came waltzing through my brain in a gender neutral voice. As I shared it with this man, I could hear his smile through the telephone wire, as I remember him responding “I like that.” All these years later, I do hold his heart and our friendship sacred, even as we are no longer in a romantic relationship.

Wikipedia defines the word sacred in this way:  Holiness, or sanctity, is in general the state of being holy (perceived by religious individuals as associated with the divine or sacred (considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion; or inspiring awe or reverence among believers in a given set of spiritual ideas).

In my perception, everything can be painted with the feather touch of the Divine, and raised up to lofty heights; even, and perhaps, especially with people and situations that feel as if they might be lacking that element. In the case of relationships, the question could be posed: What if we held them sacred? My answer would be that we would honor each person in them and accept the core essence of who they are, beyond behavior, as Love incarnate. Now having said that, it doesn’t mean accepting inappropriate or abusive behavior. It does mean looking beyond the surface and seeing, as A Course In Miracles states: “Every loving thought is true. Everything else is an appeal for healing and help.”~

What does it mean to hold someone’s heart sacred?  To me it translates to respect, honor and compassion. TLC in times of challenge to help ease the pain. Deep listening rather than hurrying to a conclusion about what they are saying. Embracing their view for themselves, even if I can’t quite see it or make sense of it. Being mindful that hearts and lives are fragile and need to be handled with care.

Can we hold the hearts of everyone we encounter, as sacred, even if we disagree with them, even if their choices fly in the face of our deepest convictions, even if they leave a mess in the kitchen, or in our lives?  Even as relationships have shifted, can we beam that devotional light in their direction and wish them well? Can we hold our own hearts sacred and keep our own fire burning?

http://youtu.be/EC9YDZZcfY4 Takes My Breath Away by Tuck and Patti