## The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See ### Embracing the Present Moment As we embark on this journey through "The Naked Now," we are invited to delve into the profound concept of contemplation and its pivotal role in spiritual growth. At the heart of this book is the idea that true spirituality is not a quest for perfection or control, but a search for divine union in the present moment. As I often say, "True spirituality is not a search for perfection or control or the door to the next world; it is a search for divine union now. The great discovery is always that what we are searching for has already been given I did not find it; it found me." Living in the present, or what I call the "naked now," is essential for fully experiencing life. This means letting go of our fears, insecurities, and attachments to embrace the beauty and wonder of the here and now. As I emphasize, "Only when we live in the naked now can we walk in the light of grace." ### The Limitations of Dualistic Thinking One of the central themes of "The Naked Now" is the critique of dualistic thinking. This either-or mentality—good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, us vs. them—creates a sense of separation and division, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. I argue that this way of thinking is a barrier to true spiritual growth and connection with others and the world around us. Non-dual thinking, on the other hand, transcends these binary oppositions. It embraces paradox and ambiguity, recognizing that reality is often complex and multifaceted. As I put it, "I knew early on that there were different kinds of knowings. Words divided reality between either and or, but my living experience was always both-and." This both-and approach is not just a philosophical stance; it is a way of life. It allows us to see beyond the divisions that dualistic thinking imposes and to connect more deeply with others and the world. For instance, Jesus, as the first nondualistic religious teacher of the West, embodied this mindset in his teachings on nonviolence, simplicity, love of the poor, forgiveness, and inclusivity. ### The Practice of Contemplation Contemplation is a powerful tool for cultivating this non-dual mindset. It involves keeping our heart and mind spaces open long enough to see beyond the surface level of reality. As I describe it, "Contemplation is an exercise in keeping your heart and mind spaces open long enough for turning to see other hidden material." Through contemplative practices such as silent prayer and the prayer of quiet, we can enter a deeper state of awareness. This is not an escape from reality but a way to engage with it more fully. As I note, "Too much of the contemplative life can be an escape from reality, and too much of the activist life can be an escape from contemplation." ### The Interconnectedness of All Things Another key aspect of "The Naked Now" is the understanding that all things are interconnected. We are part of a larger whole, and this realization can foster a sense of unity and interconnectedness with others and the world. This perspective is rooted in the wisdom of various spiritual traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Native religions, which all emphasize the overcoming of conflicts and oppositional thinking. For example, St. Bonaventure's insight that "God is the one whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere" highlights the omnipresent nature of the divine. This understanding encourages us to see the divine in everyone and everything, leading to a more compassionate and inclusive worldview. ### The Transformative Power of Vulnerability Vulnerability is a crucial element in the spiritual journey. It involves being open and receptive, rather than defensive and closed off. As I emphasize, "Love and suffering are the main portals that open up the mind space and the heart space." By embracing vulnerability, we can experience life more fully and form genuine connections with others. This is not about weakness but about strength—the strength to be open, to love, and to suffer. As I say, "We are born of love; Love is our mother." ### Living in the Light of Grace The ultimate goal of the spiritual journey is to live in the light of grace. This means surrendering to the gift of grace that has opened our hearts to the present moment. Mystics, who have moved beyond mere belief systems to actual inner experience, understand this deeply. They realize that God is not just a distant figure but is as close and accessible as our breath. As we live in the naked now, we begin to see the world with new eyes. We see the interconnectedness of all things, the divine in everyone, and the beauty of the present moment. This is not just a spiritual practice but a way of life—a life of simplicity, joy, and unconditional love. In the words of the mystics, "Oneness is no longer merely a vague mystical notion, but a scientific fact." By embracing this oneness, we can transform our lives and the world around us. Imagine what would happen if Christians and other spiritual seekers abandoned dualistic thinking and began to live out the radical teachings of Jesus. Imagine the world where love, compassion, and inclusivity guide our actions. This is the vision of "The Naked Now"—a vision of a world where we live fully, authentically, and in the light of grace. As you embark on this journey, remember that the naked now is not just a concept but a reality waiting to be embraced. Only when we live in this moment can we truly find freedom, joy, and peace in a complex and often chaotic world.

Here are the key insights from "The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See" by Richard Rohr: ## Embracing the Present Moment - True spirituality is about seeking divine union in the present moment, rather than perfection or control. Living in the "naked now" involves letting go of fears, insecurities, and attachments to embrace the beauty of the here and now. ## Critique of Dualistic Thinking - Dualistic thinking (either-or mentality) creates separation and division, hindering spiritual growth and connection. Non-dual thinking, or "both-and," transcends these binary oppositions and recognizes the complexity of reality. ## The Practice of Contemplation - Contemplation is crucial for cultivating a non-dual mindset. It involves keeping heart and mind spaces open to see beyond the surface level of reality, using practices like silent prayer and the prayer of quiet. ## Interconnectedness of All Things - The book emphasizes that all things are interconnected, drawing from various spiritual traditions. This understanding fosters a sense of unity and encourages seeing the divine in everyone and everything. ## Transformative Power of Vulnerability - Vulnerability, being open and receptive, is essential for the spiritual journey. It allows for genuine connections and a fuller experience of life, and is not about weakness but about the strength to love and suffer. ## Living in the Light of Grace - The ultimate goal is to live in the light of grace, surrendering to the gift that opens hearts to the present moment. This involves seeing the world with new eyes, recognizing the interconnectedness and divine presence in all things. ## Non-Dual Teachings of Jesus - Jesus' teachings are presented as non-dualistic, emphasizing nonviolence, simplicity, love of the poor, forgiveness, and inclusivity. These teachings are seen as a way of seeing and thinking in the present, rather than a future reward system. ## Overcoming Fear and Shame - The book encourages release from fear and shame, and acceptance of mystery and the unknown. This acceptance is key to a deeper spiritual connection and personal transformation. ## Holistic Experience of Contemplation - Contemplative seeing is not just visual but a holistic experience engaging the heart, mind, and soul. It allows individuals to encounter life in its raw and authentic form, free from preconceived judgments and biases. ## Embracing Paradox and Ambiguity - Non-dual thinking embraces paradox and ambiguity, recognizing that reality is complex and multifaceted. This approach allows for a deeper connection with others and the world around us. ## The Importance of Mindfulness and Presence - Everyday practices of mindful awareness and presence are recommended to actualize non-dual teachings. This includes actions like truly listening without preconceived notions and responding from a place of presence.