Duality is either/or thinking. We tend to gravitate toward this type of thinking by habit. However, non-duality allows us to embrace multiplicities. In the context of chronic pain and illness non-duality allows us to recognize "I am not this illness." We are often pathologized. Rather than thinking just about what's wrong with us we can remember we contain multitudes. Also, non-duality can remind me I am the being experiencing x. There can be a layer or distance that gets inserted. Having a contemplative practice has supported this ability. Giving me a bit of space between me and the pain or difficulty. I'm cultivating a skill of stillness that means I have a pause to say "I am the being having that experience." In the space other things become possible -- I can insert a bit of life in that pause. I think that's also why person-centered language is important: when say "she's a person with a disability" rather than "she's disabled" it acknowledges that she's a person having that experience rather than that being the whole of who she is. A tool I was introduced to by Nikki Silvestri is using the phrase "and also." We don't have to negate what is happening but expand what's true, it allows for multiple realities and paradox. As you play with non-duality, tell me how can you use "yes and" in your daily life. Do you have a contemplative practice? What do you do? How long? If not, why not -- what are the obstacles that keep you from a practice?