Sacred Commerce: Business as a Path of Awakening

by Matthew Engelhart, Terces Engelhart, Megan Marie Brown (Foreword)

In this timely book, authors Matthew and Terces Engelhart present the idea that love before appearances is the antidote to our spiritual, environmental, and social degradation. Exploring topics such as mission statements, manager as coach, human resources as a sacred culture, and inspirational meetings, they offer a manual for building a spiritual community at the workplace —a vital concept in an age when work consumes the bulk of most adults’ time. Business, the authors explain, is all about providing a service, product, or experience the market wants, and no business can succeed by failing to understand this point. However, integrating the concept of “Sacred Commerce” into business can provide both financial success and spiritual satisfaction. Stressing that every business is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of both clients and employees, the Engelharts share the tools they’ve learned in their own enterprises to fulfill this vision. Sacred Commerce is the ideal mix of the personal and the practical—a guidebook written by people who have felt success, not just spent it. Dissatisfaction with work is at record levels, and the Engelharts show that you don’t have to suffer personally—or give up your humanity—to pay the mortgage.

Genres: Business

136 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2008

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book poorly organized and in need of a good editing hand, but I am glad I read it. The authors present practices they use in their business, Cafe Gratitude, to encourage the understanding of work as part of a spiritual practice. Many chapters end with simple practices that could spark good discussion or serve as a starting point for journaling. I found the authors' use of religious quotations disjointed but interesting., and the book prompted me to think more deliberately about how my own work could be more of a spiritual practice. I agree with many, if not all, of the authors' understandings about human behavior, and would enjoy working in a place that utilized positive games like some the authors describe to inspire growth. Overall, I am glad that I did not buy the book but I am also glad that I read it.

[Tine! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes me want to read all the other books with the same title. Cool to serendipitously learn more about Mollie Engelhart's family's business while also listening to a podcast about her personal farm.

[Dawn Maley · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read

[Linda Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred Commerce: Business as a path of awakening by Matthew & Terces Engelhart, authors and founders of Café Gratitude is a remarkable book about building a spiritual community in the workplace.
The book demonstrates the values they hold dearest to them – namely respect, reverence, and love which they brought into their workplace that benefits not only their clientele but also their staff.

Through this book and their several unique RAW food, plant-based, vegan Café Gratitude locations in California, the Engelharts provide a sustainable, socially just, and spiritually fulfilling business model for others to follow.


I highly recommend this book, especially for any business, non-profit or spiritual organization to study and implement many of these practices offered in Sacred Commerce into their business model.

[Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story behind Cafe Gratitude and their unique approach to creating a culture around people first and taking some big steps further to creating an environment where people in the organization being present and focused on the work at hand is paramount. Almost a shamanistic approach is taken. I had the opportunity to see the opening of the first cafe in Los Angeles and sense that something important is happening here.

[Kenny Gould · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and enjoyable primer for the concept of Sacred Commerce. The ideas feel a bit scattered, and I think someone might need to sit down with the editor, but the pieces are all there, if you're willing to put them together.

[Wyncia]

Love the concept and am taking a lot from it. Some of the steps along the way are a bit too far beyond logical for me. But I am all over love, grace, and accepting the abundance that surrounds us.

[Ayreanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the simplest books on how to create a business, organization and life you love. I am blessed and honored to share this work and teach these powerful, transformative tools.

[Robert Cymbala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go for it!

[Marcus J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book & continues to inspire. Must-read for any conscious/mindful business owner. Gratitude!