Roger Walsh, a contemplative monk in the Vajrayana Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism offered guidance on the path to Sacred Service.  This came at a time when I had been feeling aware of the need for a service such as this, in a world full of chaos and in need of healing.

This is especially true in the field of Osteopathy, where the young and elder alike are suffering with physical, mental and emotional chronic pain on a daily basis.  As a new Osteopath and one who is naturally given to giving; with the nature of Osteopathy being physical - it is easy to exhaust myself.  This lovely teaching came in a timely manner for self reflection. How can I bring this art of sacred service to the work in serving others to be freer of pain and to sustain my own vibrant health?

The first step is to STOP prior to beginning any project; work related, or other interactive experience. We are guided to drop down into not just an ordinary awareness, an "awakened awareness" as Roger explains it, where we consciously stop and shift into a deeper and more significant frame of presence before we begin. This means dropping into a clear, compassionate,  generous, lucid and luminous state of being where we are focused and absolutely present.

Step two requires handing over our task to something greater than ourselves, to the service of Allah, Buddha, God, Source or any other higher being that we resonate with. 

Next consider how we can approach our work to contributing to serving others in feeling more at ease in their body, mind and spirit, and to experience relief from discomfort. Most problems in the world today, Roger commented, are human caused, and a reflection of our collective psyches.  When we approach our work from a place of openness and intention to serve, we invite a sacred service to our work and serve on multiple levels simultaneously . Here we bring a quality of "social activism" to the day contributing to others in a skillful and mindful way.

Perhaps the most important step is to let go of any attachments to the outcome. This strips away all egoic motivations; i.e.: looking good, doing good, making good. Drop all of these faces and let go for the potential of true service to emerge. This is the best way to avoid burn out Roger consoles, which so many in healthcare experience.

As we are working it is suggested we be aware of how we are reacting in the moment. How others are responding? This offers us the chance to adjust our activity when we are amidst it. This allows room for better listening and ultimately a more compassionate interaction, whether we are writing, or teaching, or preparing a meal for others. In my case, practicing Osteopathy!

When we have completed our task it is suggested, we observe what transpired. Explore the fullness of our responses. This  awakened awareness is in and of itself, healing. Take a few moments to process our activity.

And finally offer the benefit of our work up for the health, well being and awakening of all of mankind.

Here then is a path to encourage a deepening of the Art of  "sacred service" in our lives. May all sentient beings find peace, steadiness and happiness in all their endeavors. May all beings be free of suffering. May life become a continual and spontaneous expression of our divine virtues in one with nature, and with all that is. OM.