Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, discusses male formation, father hunger, and why contemplation is magnetic to people, including millennials. Rohr explores the concept of living in deep time, the power of contemplation, and the transformative power of vulnerability. He also shares his journey to becoming a Franciscan and founding the Center for Action and Contemplation.
Contemplation enables us to trust the depth of time, connecting with the timeless aspects of life.
Addressing father hunger and providing male initiation rites help men overcome negative impacts and foster personal growth.
Deep dives
Contemplation & Magnetism of Deep Time
Father Richard Rohr discusses the importance of contemplation and deep time in spiritual practice. He explains that contemplation allows us to trust the depth of time, enabling us to rest and not be caught up in chronological time. By learning to contemplate, we can transcend the passing nature of our passions and preoccupations, and connect with the timeless and meaningful aspects of life.
The Two Halves of Life
Rohr delves into the concept of the two halves of life, emphasizing that it is not strictly chronological but rather relates to a template for spiritual growth. In the first half of life, individuals are preoccupied with survival, success, and the accumulation of titles and possessions. However, these pursuits do not lead to deep meaning. The second half of life involves moving beyond this dualistic mindset towards a deeper understanding of one's purpose and connection to something larger than oneself.
Father Hunger & Male Spirituality
Addressing the issue of father hunger, Rohr discusses how the absence of positive male role models affects men's lives. He highlights the significance of male initiation rites and the need for men to experience powerlessness and vulnerability in order to avoid misusing power. By creating safe spaces for men to confront their wounds, Rohr helps them develop a healthy sense of identity and overcome the negative impact of fatherlessness, ultimately leading to personal and spiritual growth.
Both-And Thinking & Bright Sadness
Rohr discusses the importance of both-and thinking, which transcends dualistic and all-or-nothing approaches to life. This mindset allows individuals to recognize the complementary nature of opposing forces and deepen their understanding of reality. He also introduces the concept of bright sadness, which refers to the experience of deep contentment and heaviness coexisting simultaneously. Bright sadness arises from embracing the complexities of life and finding meaning in both joy and sorrow.
Men of all ages say Richard Rohr has given them a new way into spiritual depth and religious thought through his writing and retreats. This conversation with the Franciscan spiritual teacher delves into the expansive scope of his ideas: from male formation and what he calls “father hunger” to why contemplation is as magnetic to people now, including millennials, as it’s ever been.
Richard Rohr is a Franciscan writer, teacher, and the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His many books include “Falling Upward,” “Divine Dance,” and most recently, “The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe.”
This interview originally aired in April 2017. Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org. ___
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