Sacred Relationships

Four years ago, I was introduced to The Sacred Journey in a YPO Forum Retreat by Jim Mitchell.

Before we die, we should be asking ourselves 1) What can I learn; 2) How can I heal; 3) How do I feel. This is the human experience, and if we are intentional about these things, we will have an impact on the people we care about.

According to evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar, humans can cognitively handle up to 150 meaningful social relationships at any given time, including family and friends. Of these 150 meaningful social relationships, I believe that we can really only pour into 30 at a time.

SACRED RELATIOnSHIPS

Who are these 30 people in your life? Do you treat them like they are the most precious person to you? And how do you want to show up to these people most precious to you?

I have a list of my most sacred relationships and there are 27 of them. Over the past few years, this list has morphed and evolved. People who were on it in 2021 are no longer there. In 2024, I added 3 more people to it.

VISION

Within each sacred relationship, I create a vision.

This includes:

1. Three to five core values

2. What is the journey I want to co-create with them?

3. Who and what do I want to be in this journey? (internal)

4. What would I have them say in the chair of truth (how did you make this person feel, what would they say about who you are)? (impact)

These visions have transformed my most special relationships. This exercise has given me perspective on who pours into me and who I choose to pour into.

This list is confidential and should be created shame-free. If somebody isn't on the list that you expected to be there, ask yourself why but do not dwell on it.

TAKE ACTION

1. Open up your favorite notes app
   

2. Put on some vibey tunes
   

3. Start brain dumping your list of sacred people. This list is confidential and should be created shame-free. If somebody isn't on the list that you expected to be there, do not dwell on it and move on. You can always come back and ask yourself "Why" they didn't make it on the list.
   

4. Over the next few weeks, create visions for each Sacred Relationship. Some of these can be in depth, some of them can be more surface level. If you are called to act on any, do that!
   

5. Come back to the list every month or so. Ask yourself if you are treating each person like they are the most precious person to you. If your answer is no, do something about it. There is no time like the present.

TLDR

Relationships are embedded in our human experience, but we can only handle up to 150 meaningful social relationships. Focus on 30 for deep connection.

If we have a sacred relationship with somebody, that person should know they are a precious person to you.

Organizing your list and being intentional about the type of person you want to show up as is the way to ensure you are pouring into the right people in the way that builds connection, deep friendship, trust, and fulfillment.