1. Order

How significant is order in your life? Does your sense of order accommodate any form of disorder? Richard Rohr, a Franciscan thinker, suggests that “Order, by itself, often seeks to eliminate disorder and diversity, leading to a narrow cognitive rigidity in individuals and systems.”

Rohr identifies various models of spiritual and human development, which can be summarized in three stages: simple consciousness, complex consciousness, and non-dual consciousness (often referred to as “the unitive way” or “the third way”). He labels these stages as Order, Disorder, and Reorder.

To encapsulate Rohr's wisdom pattern:

• Order — Our journey begins with a tribal mindset, reflecting an egocentric need for structure and self-interest. Gradually, this evolves toward a broader, inclusive love.
• Disorder — We begin to recognize the call for a deeper, more intimate connection through experiences of failure, sin, grace, and election, which enriches our soul. During this stage, wisdom teachers are crucial in navigating our “disorder.”
• Reorder — For a select few, a breakthrough to unitive consciousness occurs, akin to enlightenment or salvation.

In one of his widely read Daily Meditations, Rohr states, “A sense of order is the easiest and most natural way to begin; it serves as a necessary first 'container.' However, this structure can become perilous if we linger in its confines for too long. It is limited and self-serving, unaware of the larger picture, yet it believes it knows all. The trials of life must dismantle our initial order, and we must endure a phase of 'disorder' to mature.”

The first video titled "Book Review: The Wisdom Pattern by Richard Rohr" delves into Rohr's exploration of these developmental stages, emphasizing the importance of navigating through order and disorder in our spiritual journeys.

2. Disorder

Are you more inclined towards order or disorder? It’s essential to acknowledge that progress is rarely linear. The Western Philosophical perspective often misleads us into believing it should be. “Disorder, by itself,” Rohr notes, “can isolate us from any foundational unity, meaning, and ultimately even sanity in both people and systems.”

In The Wisdom Pattern, Rohr elaborates on the notion articulated by John of the Cross regarding “the dark night of the soul.” He asserts that profound lessons are often taught through darkness—not merely through light! We only need sufficient illumination to trust the darkness; certainty is not a prerequisite for taking the next step. Darkness, errors, and challenges serve as the greatest teachers, while success offers little more than fleeting satisfaction.

Similarly, Buddha advocated for a middle path, a balance between indulgence and self-denial, which leads to peace and liberation in this life. Jack Kornfield, in his book Wise Heart, articulates this middle way as a balance between attachment and aversion, being and non-being, form and emptiness, free will and determinism. The deeper we explore this middle ground, the more we can find rest amidst opposites. Rohr refers to this balancing act between order and disorder as “reorder.”

3. Reorder

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus (circa 500 BCE) emphasized, “All things come into being through the conflict of opposites.” Thus, order cannot exist without disorder and vice versa. The pivotal question is how to maintain equilibrium between these two forces.

Rohr posits that understanding the complete wisdom pattern enables us to release our initial order, trust in disorder, and—often the most challenging aspect—embrace the new reorder. This transformation within individuals and systems occurs when both elements are recognized as working in tandem. Without training to manage anxiety and paradox, spiritual growth can become stagnant.

In The Happiness Hypothesis, Jonathan Haidt explains, “Coherence is essential: A coherent worldview can elucidate nearly anything, while an incoherent one is hampered by internal contradictions… For a full understanding of ourselves, we must examine all three dimensions—physical, psychological, and sociocultural… One of the most profound insights from this ongoing synthesis is that people find meaning when their lives are coherent across these three levels.”

Everyone perceives the world through their unique lens, shaped by cultural inheritances, familial influences, and diverse experiences. This lens, or worldview, according to Rohr, dictates what we notice and what we overlook.

As Rohr states, “Only in the final ‘reorder’ stage can light and darkness coexist, and paradox be accepted. We find ourselves at home in the only reality that has ever existed. This is the essence of true and contemplative knowledge.” Here, mortality is embraced as part of life, failure is recognized as integral to success, and imperfection is acknowledged within perfection. Opposites clash and unite, and ultimately, everything belongs.

Thank you for engaging with this reflection. I hope you discovered something valuable.

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The second video titled "Richard Rohr on Contemplative Prayer" offers insights into the practice of contemplative prayer and its significance in navigating the complexities of life.