The Naked Now: Book Review

“The Naked Now” by Richard Rohr is a gold mine. I had just begun to practice silent prayer when I first read it two years ago. I recently decided to take a second run through this marvelous book. To be honest, this is the type of book that you need to read over and over again. You will see things that were hidden the previous time.

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Both-And

“I knew early on that there were different kinds of knowings. Words divided reality between either and or, but my living experience was always both-and.” This book will reveal how you can change the way you see from either and or to both-and.

Contemplation

One way to learn to see both-and is the practice of contemplation. “Contemplation is an exercise in keeping your heart and mind spaces open long enough for turning to see other hidden material.” Just as Jesus did, we need to enter the prayer of quiet (contemplative prayer).

“No”

Another way to learn to see both-and is by following the advice of the great teachers. “The great teachers are saying that you cannot start seeing or understanding anything if you start with “No.”

Love and Suffering

I will make one final point regarding how you can learn to see both-and. “Love and suffering are the main portals this open up the mind space and the heart space…..” These are our greatest teachers. As I look back at my life I completely agree!

Next Steps

Now that I have made my second run through this book, I will let what I read soak in. I am certain this will not be the last time I pick up this wonderful book.

Read this book slowly and with a highlighter in hand. Go back and re read the highlighted parts. You will learn how to see the naked now.

Go Further

Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe

Richard Rohr, The Naked Now: Learning To See As the Mystics See

Richard Rohr, The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation

Richard Rohr, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

Richard Rohr, Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self

Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer

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