One Body

Photo by Philipp Pilz at Unsplash

We are “one body” are words that play in my ears, often flow from people’s (especially ministers and theologians) mouths, and are exclaimed in sacred settings. What do those words mean? In the past, to me it meant that no matter the differences: race, family background, socioeconomic status or any other number of ways we have of dividing ourselves we could all play honestly and harmoniously on the same global field. I thought living as one body meant regardless of alternate viewpoints we could find common ground, find a single point on which to agree in order to ensure the success of a project.

And indeed, from my experiences one body meant that all voices were listened to, all efforts necessary, and as a team the common goal was accomplished and celebrated. All that was necessary was a small group of dedicated people coming together to fulfill a common cause. I’ve participated in several Stop Hunger Now campaigns and in all cases a diverse group of people gathered to fulfill the task of packaging food on behalf of people less fortunate either due to the aftermath of a natural disaster or from perpetually living in a food desert.

I’m beginning to think that I may have been living a fantasy. Because lately (regardless of the pandemics) I rarely experience that kind of soul-fulfilling community. I wonder when things changed. I wonder if there has always been so much hostility, anger, and hatred, so much focus on separation and I just ignored it committed to the tasks at hand.

Let’s face it. Different people come together all the time. That is how services are provided: small office projects, dance companies and orchestra performances, fundraisers, food banks—they all function magnificently on the principle of oneness. Many hands, feet, voices for a common, wholistic outcome.

The truth is that even though someone might thrive in solitude, eventually, they will need someone else’s help to fulfill a task. That’s just the way things go. There is an African word, ubuntu that describes this manifestation of relationships in a profound way.

“I am who I am because we are who we are . . .”

Both a philosophical concept and ideological principle, ubuntu recognizes and cherishes essential virtues that exist in all humans, especially the virtue of compassion. We literally see ourselves in other humans. It is our uniqueness that cultivates the dynamism of a particular relationship, project or experience.

Desmond Tutu’s entire life exemplified the expression of ubuntu.

“A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished.”

If you want to take another look at the importance of bringing diversity into oneness, here is a verse from Paul in his letter to the Corinthians.

“You are all Christ’s Body, and individually, you are parts of it” (1Cor. 12:27).

We find ourselves expressing love no matter the situation because we are all of the same oneness. I think this extends way beyond the human tendency to be together because we are social beings. There is an inner fortitude in sentient beings to work through all manner of challenges and difficulties to attain balance and healing for the essential good of others. No doubt we have to be balanced ourselves for endeavors of group work to function seamlessly. Sometimes it is the experience of shared goals that precipitate the internal change. Just as individual body parts function (some without us noticing) as a whole to get us through the day, so too sending those energies outward draw us into ways of behaving that serve the common good.

This movement prayer might be of use to you in pursuing this endeavor of oneness:

Standing or sitting with feet securely on the floor, breathe with your hands on top of each other over heart. Take 3 deep breaths. From your heart extend your arms forward to an imaginary person or the universe with the intention of sending light or healing. As your arms extend to the front open them slightly and lift just above shoulder level. Sustain the position briefly then return your hands to your heart. In your mind or aloud say: “My heart filled with love flies to yours and I receive your love.” Do these gestures and say the words 3 to 7 times and rest. Pause with your hands on your heart for several breaths to finish.

May this short prayer and gentle movements resonate with you and fill you with oneness.