A Follow up on Sacred Economics

We have all ages here and many cultures represented, various viewpoints and life experiences. Before starting the spring work camp a newsletter titled Sacred Economics was sent out from Kalikalos.  Just the name itself is wonderful; it would be a very intriguing University class.  In fact, a very important class for this planet right now!

The article that Jock (founder of Kalikalos) sent out on Sacred Economics was about the degradation of our financial system and how important creating authentic communities like Kalikalos are in the ‘new’ economy.

On Mondays we have a special discussion circle, on a topic of interest to a group member. One member leads the discussion, she wants to live more in a barter community where the exchange is without money. Or even further she would like a place where there is no exchange, and freedom from that structure. Many people had various opinions and also many of us see that we need to be a part of the world and the money system that exists.

The term Sacred Economics is interpreted differently by everyone.

Here is another viewpoint of Sacred Economics: That every person does what they love, follows their passion and in the service of their best selves and the greater world.   Sometimes there are tasks that need to be done that we don’t much enjoy. Our job in those cases is to find ways to make the job more bearable, perhaps even enjoyable.   At Kalikalos this is what we try to do. We look at what work needs to be done and we see who can and wants to do what. If there are jobs that no one volunteers for, we find a way to get the job done together.  There is no ‘work’ at Kalikalos in the way that work is often viewed in the world—toil and dislike. We work hard much of the day here, but through-out the work is joy. The joy of being in such a beautiful setting, the laughter of the people we labor with and the sense of purpose we all receive from what we do to wake up Kalikalos from its winter slumber.  This is good work.

It is possible that when everyone does more of what they love and are valued for what they do, that this is the core of sacred economics. There must be some appreciation for the monetary system, if we chose to participate in the world.  At the moment we need money to buy our food, to purchase the hardware and tools we need to get the centre in working order. We also may want money to have some fun.  This is the system we have now. We can work to change what is corrupt, but perhaps embracing money as a neutral energy would take away some of the stress around money away. The term ‘put your money where your mouth is’ means a lot. Money itself is not evil. What we chose to do with money is what is important and in fact sacred. At Kalikalos, we discuss how we can spend money locally and how we can most ethically allocate our money within our budget. In a sense this is 'sacred spending'. We select how we spend our time, energy, money and lives. Money, like all we 'spend', can be part of our spiritual path.

May each of you find fulfilling work in your days. Perhaps Kalikalos is a place for you, to volunteer or take a workshop.  Each week we practice ‘Karma Yoga’.  What if we apply the principles of yoga, such as unity and flexible with discipline to economics? 

Kalikalos is located in Greece, anyone aware of the news right now knows the struggle Greece is going through financially. From this village and surrounding area what hasn’t changed is the absolute generosity of many of the Greek people.  If the law of attraction applies, ‘like attracts like.’  It is comforting to see that the fear of what is to come hasn’t crushed this pure generosity.  


This is what I observe through the economic chaos: there are still many gifts that many of us, foreigners, have received from Greece and the Greek people.  We have received from shop owners spontaneous gifts of honey with nuts in heart shaped jars, bottles of homemade wine, free drinks on the house, basil seedlings, and more.  Not to mention the warmth of smiles and conversation and helpful directions when lost. May this generosity of spirit prevail and return to Greece the energy of generosity. 


Tell us what Sacred Economics means to you.  Please leave your comments below!


Karrie K, Iowa, USA