Embrace all things as part of the Harmonious Oneness, and then you will begin to perceive it.

— The Tao Te Ching

Greetings, Inspired Seekers:

Finding the middle way in a world that seemingly lives in extremes is not easy. I often find myself reacting rather than responding, wanting to tell rather than to ask, trying to convince rather than to understand. How about you? Yes, in spite of all good intentions, I misstep. My humanity shows in all of its imperfection. And in those imperfect moments I realize that the root of the problem is seeing the world - and all of its components - as separate from the self.

The Second Dharma Seal teaches “nothing as a separate existence or a separate self. Everything has to inter-be with everything else.”

“…So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” is written in the book of Romans in the Christian scriptures.

And from The Vedas we read: “With words, priests and poets make into many the hidden Reality which is but One.”

It can be challenging to see the world as one, to see us as united in spirit with all other sentient beings. But, therein lies the sanctity of the world and, I believe, the unity of the human and the Divine. What will it take for all of us, well intentioned, mistake-prone creatures to fully embrace and live this understanding?

Can we learn - and teach ourselves - that when we are with one, we are with all? That when we connect with one, we connect with all that is? That the experience of each moment is the experience of the eternal?

This is hard work. This work often flies in the face of what the world - and those who would like to separate us - appears to teach. When our spiritual work is deep and works for us, it will work for the world - if we understand that we are all connected. We are all one reality. And, some days, that itself is an extreme thought! As Shakespeare said: It’s all one to me!

Grace-Fully Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Monthly Affirmation: Every moment of every day, I am connected to All.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington helps seekers restore connection to their Source through spiritual coaching, inspirational speaking and sacred celebrations. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.