Surrender to what is, and release of all attachment requires a level of radical acceptance. That acceptance includes the willingness to be present to the possibility that everything in our lives, from the micro of our relationships, and our communities, to the macro of the planet, may have to end before rebirth can happen.
Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations blog in late May spoke to this compellingly:
If Jesus himself says the church is falling into ruin, I guess we can admit it also without being accused of being negative or unbelieving. Maybe we have to admit it for anything new and good to happen. —Richard Rohr
Practice – The Shining Word “And”
Father Richard offers a contemplative practice of embracing “and.” We encourage you to read these words slowly, allowing for a “both-and” space to emerge within:
“And” teaches us to say yes
“And” allows us to be both-and
“And” keeps us from either-or
“And” teaches us to be patient and long suffering
“And” is willing to wait for insight and integration
“And” keeps us from dualistic thinking
“And” does not divide the field of the moment
“And” helps us to live in the always imperfect now
“And” keeps us inclusive and compassionate toward everything
“And” insists that our action is also contemplative
“And” heals our racism, sexism, heterosexism, and classism
“And” allows us to critique both sides of things
“And” allows us to enjoy both sides of things
“And” is far beyond any one nation or political party
“And” helps us face and accept our own shadow side
“And” allows us to ask for forgiveness and to apologize
“And” is the mystery of the paradox in all things
“And” is the way of mercy
“And” makes daily, practical love possible
“And” does not trust love if it is not also justice
“And” does not trust justice if it is not also love
“And” is far beyond my religion versus your religion
“And” allows us to be both distinct and yet united
“And” is the very Mystery of Trinity
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Experience a version of this practice through video and sound.
Adapted from Richard Rohr, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See (New York: Crossroad Publishing, 2009), 180–181.