“We are both/and, not either/or.  As caregivers when we embrace the spectrum within us, we are able to see and appreciate the vulnerability and grace in each of our encounters.” ~Karen York

Author  Margaret Wheatley poses this question, “How many of us have been in search of our purpose?” As a seeker, I respond with a resounding yes, although I live with ambiguity. At times this lack of knowing creates anxiety propelling my soul to  search further,  as I try to get it right. Yet, blessings abide in uncertainty as well, by opening a window into the realm of possibility.

When we see the world through the concrete lens of only one way, which is "my point of view” it slams the door shut on authentic communication. Either or thinking squelches any hope of moving beyond differences towards mutual understanding.

A glaring example is the current political climate of dead-end polarization. Our nation has become so entrenched in black and white, either or thinking, so that we are no longer willing to listen or hear the other person out.

In any conflict, we must get past the slippery downward slope of motivation that is concerned with winning rather than looking for common ground. Ultimately, discovering a both/and solution is needed to release the destructive paralysis and create new synergy.

Wheatley’s encourages us to loosen our grip on this notion of having to know and clearly define our purpose. Instead she emboldens us to “Just be in that constant opening –"Well, maybe I should do this. No? Well, maybe I should do this?" Wheatley concludes by saying, I wrote a word that really does have a lot of meaning for me — "whatever".

Personally, I experienced a sense of relief upon reading Wheatley's revelation and by reconciling my inner struggle of trying to make life solid and under my control. Perhaps, more importantly as Karen York  eloquently suggests, we can embrace the spectrum within us and allow Grace to awaken the wonder and mystery of our being here together.

for a one minute read of  Wheatley’s enlightening words, click on this link http://www.ijourney.org/index.php?tid=358

~liz Sorensen Wessel

Above drawing by ~liz