In every culture we have rituals. Rituals of faith, sports, and  daily events. These rituals are merely rituals but also a catalyst of something greater. What do these rituals mean? What do they symbolize?

Note: Ani Po is Hebrew for I am here. When we come to a place of self-realization, we individually declare…I am here. Ani Po represents the self-realized.

 
When Ani Po was a girl, she noticed rituals within her church. She had to sit, stand, kneel, bow to the altar, and genuflect to the sacristy. Not understanding fully what these rituals met until she was much older.

When she was older, she learned rituals of sports. She would prep before the swim meet with certain rituals that claimed to bring her success. Often, she would play certain types of music to motivate her. During the meet she would consume dry Kool-Aid, to give her a boost of energy. Sadly, kids are now consuming Monster or Red Bull. Often times she saw kids drinking lemon juice to get them going. While on the blocks, before diving in for her competition, she would have certain bodily movements as a ritual: waving her arms in the air, shaking them about. All of these are merely rituals but what do they need?

Are the rituals themselves what brings us to our end goal or results? Are these rituals the means of how we get to that which we seek? These rituals are merely catalysts to where we are going, to what we seek and finally paradise.

”As a man thinketh, so is he.”

~Abraham

When Ani Po was a little older she would attend events where they spoke about sacred ground, sacred rituals, and sacred beliefs. She went on a retreat or camping event and was told about sacred ground, cautioning her from walking on this sacred ground. Similarly when we go to a cemetery, we are told it is sacred ground and we should respect those who lay beneath our feet. Paying respect in our hearts, we avoid walking on sacred ground. The reality of this is…All is sacred ground, if that is where our heart is.

Recently at a fire ceremony, Ani Po witnessed a sacred fire lit before observers. They spoke of the sacred fire with highest respect, and explained how to respect it. The sacred fire reminds Ani Po of when she was younger once again. When she was a little girl she witnessed a sacred fire and accidentally threw trash into the fire. She was scolded by an elder of the tribe, for throwing trash into the sacred fire and desecrating its very existence. This Elder explained to her that trash cannot go in the sacred fire. To her reply, “isn’t everything sacred?” Angrily, the elder pulls her away from the sacred fire. Another elder comes up to her smiling and explains, “You have far greater knowledge then he. You are correct everything sacred and don’t ever forget that.”

 
A ritual is only a ritual until the heart is applied…then it becomes sacred. The ritual is merely a catalyst of what could or should be. Without the sacred knowledge of love, rituals are only rituals. Without heart consciousness, the ritual is no longer sacred and is merely a ritual.

My heart was hot within me; and my body was on fire; then spoke I with my tongue, Lord, show me mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know my destiny. Psalm 39:3-4

Stepping into the canvas…lighting an eternal flame. What ever the catalyst, what ever the ritual…go further and see the end result as love. Love unconditionally and light the sacred flame within your being. The sacred flame, the true sacred flame, lay deep within your soul. Dig deep, find the sacred flame, light it and let it burn out of control. Once lit…your world will never be the same. Much agape to you…Ani Po.