Why We Can’t Do Life Alone: Lessons from Thomas Keating

We Need Each Other

This is the third and final reflection on what most stood out to me while reading That We May Be One: Christian Non-Duality by Thomas Keating.

(If you missed the earlier posts, you can read the first reflection here and the second one here.)

Keating writes:

“The human race is a species that is completely interconnected and interrelated. It is one with God already. We just do not think so or experience it.”

What a powerful reminder—we really do need each other!

I see this truth lived out in my own family. My wife and I divide and share the responsibilities of daily life. She takes our son to his doctor appointments; I take our daughter to hers. She does the laundry; I do the dishes. She pays the bills; I handle the investments. Together, we make things work.

I’ve also experienced this in my writing journey. When I was working on my first book, Sitting with God, my friend and mentor Amos Smith encouraged me to keep going when I wasn’t sure I could. Without his nudge and guidance, the book may never have been finished. (By the way, I highly recommend his books Be Still and Healing the Divide.)

The same was true when I started exploring new job opportunities a couple of years ago. I leaned on colleagues, friends, my wife, and even a resume specialist. Each conversation, each bit of advice, helped me take the next step. I didn’t—and couldn’t—do it alone.

As Keating reminds us, we are already one with God. And because of that, we are deeply connected to one another. Life is not meant to be lived in isolation. We are here to support, encourage, and strengthen each other.

I need the help of others, and others need my help. That’s what makes life so powerful and so beautiful—we are one great community walking together in God.