Communion with others in ‘me-first’ world

What does it mean to be in communion with others in a world that often over-values individualism? A deep question for a spring day that beckons with birds chirping and sunshine warming our bodies and souls.

We seem to spend much of our time on this planet thinking of ourselves as “unique” and separate from those we share the planet with, going about our normal routines. And our False Self seems to recognize and enjoy this perceived separation, as it makes space for unkind behavior, judgmentalism and unfortunate behavior that we continue to defend. This isolation is the happy place for rationalization, defensiveness and regret.

When we are in communion with each other and with our God, life changes and we are able to see ourselves as a part of the Whole, a segment of a big, miraculous picture that is creation. This communion is also the path that connects us to our Creator and is found in many holy writings of many traditions.

In the Christian scriptures, we read the parable of the vine and the branches. Jesus says, “I am the vine, my Father is the Vinedresser and you are the branches.” It is a relationship of interconnectedness that bears fruit because of this interdependence.

Hinduism emphasizes the idea of Brahman – the Ultimate Reality – that is infused into all of creation and existence. We are all seen as a component of wholeness that keeps us in accordance with each other, with the responsibility of caring for all as we offer compassion and empathy in our lives of service.

In Buddhism, the concept of interconnectedness is a core belief, teaching that nothing exists separate and apart from the other. We sit, knowing that there is no life in isolation but, rather, there is life in our oneness; the interdependence of relationship supports the balance and existence of all – impermanent as it all is.

The Jains focus on the interconnectedness of all sentient beings – humans, animals and also plants. Everything is linked together through respect, care and support. Referred to as “Ahisma,” this interconnectedness is critical for the sustainable foundation for all of life. It requires that we do no harm to any; to harm one is to harm all.

These traditions – and so many more – send the message of radical and deep communion with the Divine. A union that is both our current reality and a pathway to an enhanced one. This communion transcends the boundaries of time and space. It is beyond the limits of our human place in the world.

When we retreat from this communion, it is the False Self that tiptoes away, perhaps out of fear or anger or some other sense of negative, insecure discord. The True Self, our higher self, moves confidently, in the direction of this communion, recognizing the wholeness and holiness of relationship and the pain of isolation, of removing ourselves from the community of service and our Source.

So, as we consider our role in the communion of creation, let's also consider our choice: to live within that interwoven connection with compassion, support and service, or not. After all, the birds chirp and sing for all of us and the sun shines on the whole planet.

How can we do anything else?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington supports the communion of all peoples and offers ceremonies that reflect Interfaith relationships and the joy they offer the world. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com for rites of passage and inspirational speaking.