Who’s in the room?

There’s a lot of ritual, tradition, and protocol involved when the Catholic church selects a new pope. Part of this includes a conclave of electors sequestered in the Sistine Chapel. Before the doors are sealed, one of the prelates announces, “Extra omnes.” (Or sometimes, exeunt omnes.) That is, “Everybody out.” Only the voting cardinals remain.

This concept — everybody [else] out — is useful.

What happens when we (for a time) dismiss those who aren’t involved in the heart of the work? Or when we expel negative thoughts from our mind? Or when we politely distance ourselves from those who don’t believe in our endeavors? Or when we remove distractions? Or when we clear away what’s not useful?

When we oust all but what’s essential — be it physical, mental, or emotional — we create sacred space for the work at hand.