This is the fifth in my six-part series of reflections on the “c-o-s-m-o-s remedy” proposed in opposition to the “ideology of e-s-c-a-p-e” by Jem Bendell in Deep Adaptation: Navigating the Realities of Climate Chaos (UK/USA 2021).

#1: Reflections on Compassion
#2: Reflections on Openness
#3: Reflections on Serenity
#4: Reflections on Mutuality

In contrast to the habit of Progress in e-s-c-a-p-e ideology, which involves thinking and feeling that ‘the future must contain a legacy from me, or make sense to me now, because if not, then when I die, I would die even more…,’ Bendell proposes that Oneness awareness involves sensing ‘what is important is how I live more lovingly right here and now, without needing to believe that I matter or am improving’ (pp.146-147).

Oneness is defined as the quality or state or fact of being one: such as singleness, integrity/wholeness, harmony, identity, and unity/union (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). The oneness that Bendell refers to is much deeper in meaning: that feeling of interconnectedness that expands our awareness of the inherent goodness of all beings. We feel part of something greater. We see beauty everywhere, in everyone, and everything.

In our individualistic American culture, we think of ourselves as separate individuals with rights of all kinds. Holding fast to the belief in independence and self-reliance, we forget that we depend upon millions of unknown individuals and non-human life forms for our livelihood, well-being, and sustenance. We have forgotten our oneness within Earth’s web of life.

When I was a young nun (1971-1977), I had to learn and adapt to a new way of selfless thinking and being. I became We. As a member of the religious community, we owned and shared everything in common. We placed the needs of the religious community before our own needs. We shared a common goal of serving God and contributing towards the good of all people. My artistic talent or gift was channeled in service of the needs of the community. It was not a perfect union. I failed to fit into the mold of the ideal nun.

Herein lies our challenge as humans worldwide: letting go of the old ways of thinking and being—placing the habitable conditions of our planetary home in peril—is not easy. We believe the lies told by those we trust to lead and guide us. We believe we are more special and greater than others. We believe some are born to rule the world, while others are born to serve. We believe it is okay to destroy non-human life to create our shining cities.

We forget that what unites us as One is our love for each other. When the storm and fire rage around us, it is love that sees us through. When the darkness engulfs us, it is love that guides us towards the light. When we lose our treasured possessions, it is love that keeps us afloat while we rebuild our lives.

In 1977, the year I left the convent, the Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter, Bob Marley (1945-1981), released the song “One Love/People Get Ready.” It became a rallying cry to address the violence in Jamaica leading up to elections in December 1976 and the divisiveness between the two major opposition parties at the time. It is a song of unity that remains relevant to our times.