– Bescye P. Burnett, Harbor District Antiracism Ministry
The “Both/And” Moment
Dualistic thinking… Dualistic thinking assumes a universe where there are only two contrasting, mutually exclusive choices, or realities. This thinking is either/or, bad/good, negative/positive and has a powerful effect on our belief system and actions.
Both/And thinking… several years ago I was introduced to the language of both/and in the book “The Naked Now” by Father Richard Rohr. It was the appendix in the book that stayed with me… The Appendix was titled ‘The Shining Word “AND” ‘…
“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” demands that our contemplation become action
“And” insists that our action is also contemplative
“And” heals our racism, sexism, heterosexism, and classism
“And” keeps us from the false choice of liberal *or* conservative
“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 dark side
“And” allows us to ask for forgiveness and to apologize
“And” is the mystery of 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 (pp. 180-181).
The Breath Prayer:
The Breath Prayer is a contemplative practice in which we breathe slowly and deeply, gradually synchronizing our breathing to short prayers or phrases that we pray aloud or quietly in our head. As we breathe, we are praying with our body, allowing God’s presence to take root in not only our minds and our hearts, but our physical being as well.
Practice:
The Breath Prayer… The Both/And Moment….
Choose one of the “And” phrases and practice the Breath Prayer…