The beautiful sun-drenched landscapes of New Mexico provided a fitting backdrop for the Richard Rohr Conference, a gathering that promised not just intellectual engagement but a journey into the depths of the human/spirit connection. As all of us settled into our seats, the air was buzzing with anticipation, a collective curiosity about the transformative insights that Father Richard Rohr and the rest of the faculty would share. Their teachings, deeply rooted in spirituality and personal growth, have long been a beacon for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them using what God has in store.

At the heart of the conference was a profound exploration of the spiritual journey through the stages of Order, Disorder, and Reorder. I frankly did not know that I have been going through this on a regular basis and Father Richard, with his characteristic warmth and wisdom, guided us/me through these stages, each representing a pivotal phase in our spiritual evolution. Then the faculty took it much deeper with revisioning our spiritual walk and what Christianity could mean. I have been on this journey a long time and those that know Lynette and I know that we continue to learn. It is not just a hobby but a passion to understand and then to use that information to help where we are called to help. Let’s start with Order.

The journey always begins with Order, a stage where we feel enveloped in a sense of innocence and safety. It’s a time when everything seems right with the world, this can happen at different times in our life, and we are cradled in the comforting arms of certainty. This “first naiveté” is a beautiful phase, where the world appears as a harmonious tapestry, and we are blissfully unaware of the complexities that lie beneath the surface. It’s a stage that not everyone experiences, but for those who do, it is a time of peace and simplicity. In this phase, our beliefs and values are often inherited from our families and communities, providing a framework that helps us make sense of the world. We find solace in the familiar routines and traditions that shape our daily lives. May I also say that those that have not experienced this phase are looking for it and what it means.

However, life, in its unpredictable nature, often propels us into the next stage: Disorder. I have lived a good deal of my life in this stage and those of you that have also lived here know exactly what I mean. This is where the real challenge begins. As Father Richard eloquently described, Disorder is the sacred, open space where we are led out of our comfort zones. It feels like suffering because it requires us to let go of the familiar, to release our grip on the structures and beliefs that once provided us with stability. In this stage, part of us must die if we are ever to grow larger. It’s a painful yet necessary process, akin to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. The cocoon of Order must be shed for the wings of Reorder to emerge. This stage may even be called a rebirth.

Disorder can manifest in various forms—personal crises, loss, or profound disillusionment, even maybe our spiritual community. It is during these times that we are forced to confront the limitations of our previous understanding. The certainty that once anchored us begins to crumble, leaving us adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Yet, it is in this very uncertainty, this liminal space, (you need to click on the link for liminal space and not miss the meaning) that the seeds of transformation are sown. As we grapple with the chaos, we begin to question, to seek, and to explore new perspectives. This stage, though tumultuous, is a crucible for growth, urging us to expand our horizons and embrace the unknown.

As we navigate through the tumultuous waters of Disorder, we hopefully and eventually find ourselves at the threshold ofReorder. This stage is a revelation, a homecoming to our true selves. Here, we discover an inner authority, personal agency, a profound knowing that transcends logic and common sense. It’s a realization that everything is okay because God is present in every moment, no matter what happens. In Reorder, nothing needs to be excluded. We learn to live and work with all of it because, as Father Richard beautifully articulated, God can. For some unbelievable reason, everything belongs.

Reorder is not about returning to the simplicity of Order but about integrating the lessons learned during Disorder. It is a synthesis of the old and the new, a harmonious blend of past experiences and newfound wisdom. In this stage, we develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. We come to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things and recognize that every experience, whether joyful or painful, contributes to our growth. This stage invites us to live with authenticity and compassion, embracing the full spectrum of human experience. Can you think of a time that you have seen this happening in your own life?

This concept of “everything belongs” is both radical and liberating. It challenges us to embrace the entirety of our experiences, the joys and the sorrows, the successes and the failures. In doing so, we come to understand that every moment, every encounter, is imbued with divine significance. It’s a perspective that invites us to see the world through a lens of compassion, acceptance and love, to recognize the interconnectedness of all things. In future blogs I will be talking about duality and non-duality and that it means to us.

This amazing conference was more than just a series of lectures; it was an invitation to embark on a transformative journey. We all left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to embrace the stages of Order, Disorder, and Reorder and then “revision what could be” in a divine sense, with-in their own lives. Father Richard’s teachings and those of the faculty, resonated deeply, offering a roadmap for navigating the complexities of being human with grace and resilience and faith.

As the conference ended, the sun was coming to a position right above us shining a bright light the New Mexico landscape and our spirits. It was a fitting day filled with profound insights and spiritual awakening. The journey through Order, Disorder, and Reorder towards revisioning is not a linear path but a cyclical one, a continuous dance of growth and transformation. And as we left the conference, we carried with us the wisdom that everything belongs, a truth that will guide us on our journey long after the echoes of Father Richard’s and the faculty’s words have faded.

In reflecting on the conference, it becomes clear that these stages are not merely abstract concepts but lived experiences that shape our lives. They remind us of that growth often requires us to step into the unknown, to embrace the discomfort of change, and to trust in the unfolding of our journey. As we move through these stages, we are called to cultivate a spirit of openness and curiosity, to remain receptive to the lessons that each stage has to offer.

The teachings of the wisdom teachers, serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward a more integrated and authentic existence. They encourage us to embrace the paradoxes of life, to find beauty during chaos, and to trust in the divine presence that permeates every aspect of our being. In doing so, we come to realize that the journey itself is the destination, and that every step, no matter how challenging, is an integral part of our spiritual evolution.

In closing this blog for today, may we carry with us the wisdom of Order, Disorder, and Reorder, allowing it to inform and inspire our lives. May we find the courage to embrace the unknown, the resilience to navigate the challenges, and the grace to accept that everything belongs. In this way, we honor the teachings of all the wisdom teachers that have come before, while embarking on a path of transformation and renewal, guided by the light of love and wisdom.