“…For Everything/ Which Is Natural / Which Is Infinite/ Which Is Yes…”
~e.e.cummings
Resistance…translates into no, a “no” to life. I think of the
many ways we can resist life; avoid, push
away, protect, defend, attack, fear intimacy. Tension mounts in our body, as
shoulders tighten; arms fold in on them selves, and anxiety rises in our stomach.
When we hold no in our beings we are unreceptive to the fluid movements of life.
Hearts harden and can close off. In a remarkable book, “The Naked Now,” Richard
Rohr emphasizes, “you cannot start seeing or understanding anything if you
start with “no.”
Okay…but how do we get to yes?
Perhaps, we begin by simply noticing without trying to escape from ourselves. To recognize and allow
what is, and move through it with our breathing. Energy shifts when we focus attention
on this natural exchange of taking in and giving back our life breath. As we
center, we can step back to observe our thoughts with a
non-condemning attitude. Healing is beyond our efforts to control or fix. All that is necessary on our part is a little willingness and receptivity. Rohr offers this profound insight, “The struggle to forgive reality as it is
right now often breaks us through to non-dual consciousness,”
into new awareness, into Love's unifying presence.
I've noticed a gradual shift in me over time. At mass, these words are
recited aloud, “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, just say the word and I
shall be healed.” After repeating those words, I add silently,
“Christ I am worthy, just say the word and I shall be healed.” Now, I realize
it is not a question of worthiness, for God’s Love is unconditional. So perhaps
I shall whisper, “Lord it matters not if I am worthy to receive you, just say
the word and I shall be healed. On second thought, maybe I will shout it with joy!
Rohr observes, “You have to start with a “yes” of basic
acceptance for some form of loving precedes true knowing.” I struggle
with resistance but as I become aware of it, I can feel myself soften. When I ask for acceptance it comes with a sense of
comfort and peace, if only for a while. There is something very
good in surrendering to yes. Something life affirming, befriending of both the light and darkness,
trusting, yet vulnerable. Personally, I find letting go of illusions about my ideal life, very painful.Yet, I believe this experience is breaking me open to live a more authentic life, and in this way; true blessing.
Faith is a stepping-stone to yes, a turning to
embrace life’s ambiguity, tensions and paradox without having all the answers. A willingness to accept the invitation this present moment offers. Rohr affirms, “Ultimate reality- is always like something-clearly a
simile or a metaphor, inviting further experience and journey, not an idea with
definitions.”
~Liz Wessel
Journal of Sacred Work 
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