So Completely Separated, So Entirely ONE

August 2020 Blog by Syndie Eardly ~ It’s an oft told spiritual teaching that though we perceive ourselves as separate from all that we see and all others in our world, we are in fact one – connected by a larger, spiritual continuum and purpose, and united by a love that is all accepting and all encompassing.

As we continue to strive to remain separate in our households for the foreseeable future, it seems like an opportune time to meditate on the spiritual implications of our predicament.

In spite of all the advice we hear about staying apart from one another, it is entirely obvious that our total global connectivity is unavoidable. It’s a strange reality for a world with defined borders, economic hierarchies, and resource domination to suddenly learn that we now have a disease that levels all alike, without regard to walls, privileges and resources.

It’s an object lesson in spirituality. Our best defense is to take care of everyone, to unite all governments, doctors, scientists, medical equipment companies and big pharma worldwide in one concerted effort to conquer the common enemy. Never before has the world been as united in one purpose as it has been in the face of this one challenge.

I remember a painting I saw years ago of all people being drawn back into the oneness. In the painting there are no wars. There is no hoarding. There is no anger or jealousy or fighting. There is color and beauty and light. We all want the same thing, and we all move towards the same end, helping each other to get there.

For me, the spiritual truth of this time is in that image. Even in our forced separation, we can spiritually embrace the idea that we are on the pathway together, heading back into the oneness. And we can be there for each other in a thousand ways in this unusual and challenging piece of our journey.

Centering Space is a prime example of this effort. In spite of the limitations put upon our gatherings by the very necessity of protecting one another, we have still found ways to gather in the courtyard for lunch or tai chi; hold conversations, prayer and seminars by ZOOM; and most importantly, continue to take prayer requests and remember one another in our daily prayer.

We may be completely separated in this time, but nothing can ever stop us from being entirely ONE in our resolve to hold one another up and help one another through it.