In Lama Rod Owen’s new book, The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors, he lays out the case for what being a saint looks like today. “Saints are ordinary and human, doing things any person can learn to do.” He says that we need modern day saints who can speak to our communities in a relatable way and serve our communities in ways shaped by love of self and others.
Raised as a Catholic, and having attended Catholic schools for much of my young life, I’ve been fascinated by the stories of saints. Some of the life stories from hundreds of years ago are unimaginable today. It is difficult to relate to them, except to understand that they are human and have human failings. No one is perfect, not even the saints. However, we admire their answering to a higher calling from a place of complete faith and devotion.
We often have a difficult time finding the time and space for quiet reflection, since our lives are so full of tech distractions and busy-ness. Our attention is constantly being competed for on our computers and mobile phones, turning it into dollars in corporate pockets. In order to hear your own thoughts without them being in reaction to someone else’s, or to hear your higher self tapping you on your shoulder, we must deliberately make space in our day. We must be thoughtful about where our attention is being paid.
What is one thing we can all do to help us live a more perfect life, like that of a modern day saint? We can start by creating personal boundaries and not be afraid of living differently because of it.
What does that look like?
- Prioritizing self care
- Saying no to a social event that doesn’t speak to you
- Managing notifications on your devices
- Going home when you are tired
- Not participating in pop culture “just because everyone else is”
- Quieting that FOMO voice in your head
- Choosing to go on a walk instead of watching the news in the evening
- Prioritizing your schedule to reflect your true desires for your day – look at your week with a new lens.
- Identify the energy sucks – can you help yourself by delegating?
- Being clear with a boss about work timelines and your own needs
- Not just saying “yes” to match other’s expectations, but saying yes when your heart and soul mean it
- Deleting social media apps on your phone, to help you to take control of your own time and attention
- Taking time in your day for quiet reflection. At least 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening. Time without distraction
- In case you missed it the first time, “Prioritize your self care”
- Being upfront about the time you have available
- Not over scheduling
- Scheduling walk breaks and meals
Doing the work needed in our world today, requires time and space in one’s schedule. We need more downtime than we have been recently accustomed to allowing. Downtime is crucial for thinking, healing, and maintaining a balanced life. We are not machines. We are not computers. We are humans, being.
Setting boundaries is something I struggle with. How do I show empathy and compassion while still setting boundaries? It’s a challenge, but I think being honest about where I am at and explaining that my boundary setting isn’t about them, it’s about me . . . it helps.