V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #22: Sacrifice

blogging, challenge, creative writing, nonfiction, photography, writing, , , 42 Comments

“What do you pray for?”

“Inner peace.”

“And what are you willing to sacrifice in order to achieve this desire?”

The question startles me.  “What do you mean?”

“To achieve the sacred, you must be emptied of that which obstructs its passage.  What stands in the way of receiving your highest good?”

I have to think about it.  I want inner peace, and yet, I carry so much fear.  What do I even really mean by inner peace?  How would I envision it?  I sense that there are many obstacles in my path.

“Maybe inner peace is too lofty of a goal.”

“Well, what is it you need today – in this moment?”

“Rest.”

“Then what do you need to let go of in order to achieve rest?”

I sigh.  I’m not good at resting.  There is washing to be done, and meals to be cooked, and blog posts to write.

“Guilt!” I blurt.

“Then that is what you will sacrifice today to reach your desired goal.”

“Today, I let go of guilt.  And I will let go of my need for control and trust that all my needs will be met.”  I take a deep breath and visual myself releasing these idiosyncrasies that define me.

“This will take practice.”

Anything that you cannot sacrifice pins you.
Makes you predictable, makes you weak.
– Mark Lawrence, Prince of Thorns

We make sacrifices everyday, unconsciously, as part of our commitment to relationships, careers, and survival. This week, I am challenging you to think about conscious sacrifice.  What are you willing to give up in order to fulfill a dream, or better the life of another?  How does sacrifice translate in today’s society?  Is there something we, as a collective, need to sacrifice in order to reach a higher ground?

So much to think about, so little time…

Look forward to your responses.

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Permission to write, paint, and imagine are the gifts I gave myself when chronic illness hit - a fair exchange: being for doing. Relevance is an attitude. Humour essential.

42 thoughts on “V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #22: Sacrifice”

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  17. Okay, I got so caught up in the story that I lost track of the challenge…is it just the word “sacrifice”, or are you looking for something more, as in what we’re willing to sacrifice for something/someone?

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    1. Hi Keith. I mimicked a dialogue I had with a spiritual teacher (many moons ago). Her words and wisdom have stayed with me. Learning that in order to receive what we want means we have to make room for it in our lives was a revelation to me.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. It make sense in retrospect. It reminds me of that article about the angst women place on themselves by trying to do too much. The author said you can have it all, but maybe not all at the same time.

        Liked by 2 people

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