On retreat with Brother Lawrence and J Dilla

J Dilla & Brother Lawrence, Digital, by Nicki Perera

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“When we take up the spiritual life, we need to think deeply about who we are.”

— Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection

“Say what you feel, feel what you say / Don't hold back, it's real that way / Take the time and the time it takes…” — J Dilla

As a vowed member of the Community of the Incarnation, I annually go on retreat, usually to a monastery, to have some time to rest and re-center. One that had been on my list for a while was the serene Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, a Benedictine monastery nestled in southern Quebec, about an hour or so away from Montreal. The monastery's tranquil setting, coupled with the monks' daily offices and delicious cuisine, provided the perfect atmosphere for reflection. Most of the residents primarily spoke Québécois French, but that ended up being a blessing, as the language barrier unexpectedly deepened my silence and introspection.

During my retreat, I brought along a few books to read in silence: Practice of the Presence: A Revolutionary New Translation by Carmen Acevedo Butcher and Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm by Dan Charnas. As I delved into these books, I noticed intriguing parallels between the stories of Brother Lawrence, the subject of the first book, and J. Dilla, the focus of the second. These similarities captivated me and prompted deeper reflection on how their narratives relate to my own life.

Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, born Nicholas Herman, was a Carmelite monk who pioneered a method of prayer now known as the “Practice of the Presence of God”. At its core, this practice involves living each day with simplicity, looking inward to discover God's presence within us, and working gently with faith, hope, and love. Brother Lawrence advocated for a healthy skepticism rooted in love, which challenges our perceptions and ultimately guides us back to love, the cornerstone of our lives.

J. Dilla, born James Dewitt Yancey, was a Hip-Hop producer, rapper, and DJ who revolutionized not only Hip-Hop but also genres like R&B, Neo-Soul, jazz, rock, and symphonic music. He pioneered a musical concept coined as "Dilla time," which describes a simple yet complex rhythmic feel that blends straight, swung, on-grid, and off-grid elements (you really have to listen to it—try “Still Shining” by Busta Rhymes). This innovative style traces its roots to early West African music, connecting it to ancestral memory and traditions.

But what connected these two figures for me on retreat, and how do I see a connection between them and my own spirituality? While few would draw a connection between Brother Lawrence and J. Dilla, my retreat in Quebec revealed surprising links between them that profoundly nourished my spiritual journey.

Both Brother Lawrence and J. Dilla were relatively unknown before receiving support from friends. For Brother Lawrence, it was Joseph de Beaufort who, upon encountering his writings, recognized their profound value and sought to preserve and share them. Similarly, Q-Tip, a legendary producer and member of A Tribe Called Quest, recognized J. Dilla's exceptional talent and played a pivotal role in launching his career.

Both Brother Lawrence and J. Dilla were quiet individuals. Brother Lawrence referred to himself as a "clumsy oaf" and held modest positions within the monastery as a cook, sandal maker, and wine procurer. J. Dilla, while aspiring to be a rapper, focused on his production and sampling skills, eventually becoming a behind-the-scenes force in the Hip-Hop music scene.

And both Brother Lawrence and J. Dilla were innovators in their respective fields. Brother Lawrence elevated a simple concept into a profound prayer practice, while J. Dilla's inventive approach to music birthed a revolutionary rhythm that continues to shape popular music.

It was this aspect—the discovery of something revolutionary out of something quotidian—that resonated with me during my retreat. Both J. Dilla and Brother Lawrence found extraordinary depth in the ordinary, crafting something unique and imaginative from their everyday lives. I began to ponder: Do I seek God in the mundane? Do I recognize my daily life as a sacred space where the Divine can work within me to create something inventive? Or do I primarily look for extraordinary experiences to fulfill that purpose?

While exploring the lives of Brother Lawrence and J. Dilla during my retreat, and considering how the Divine operates within our everyday experiences, I also began to reflect on my personal spirituality and its connection to the broader human community. This led me to recall a quote by Howard Thurman from The Inward Journey: "There is a profound ground of unity that is more pertinent and authentic than all the unilateral dimensions of our lives. This a person discovers when one is able to keep open the door of one's heart."

To foster spiritual growth, we must embrace the possibility of unity and interconnectedness. This means recognizing the resonance between our stories and the stories of others. To achieve this, we need open hearts and minds, welcoming the possibility of unity even with those who differ from us. This openness will allow us to perceive the Divine in our everyday lives and transform every moment into a sacred space for God's expression. J. Dilla and Brother Lawrence, though separated by centuries, social contexts, and societal racialization, shared a profound exploration of simplicity rooted in ancient traditions of belonging and being. Their journey, if not their stories, reveals a path to a healthy spirituality that embraces learning from anyone, regardless of differences, and allows God, whether through prayer or music, to express Godself to the world. Contemplative life calls us to delve deeply into ourselves, remain true to ourselves, and allow that truth to connect us to the world and the Divine.

Reflecting on Brother Lawrence and J. Dilla during my retreat, I was reminded of the simplicity that underpins a meaningful spiritual life and the profound experiences that can arise from tapping into ancestral memory or embracing our natural inclinations. Inspired by their examples, I resolved to be comfortable with who I am and who I am becoming and was reminded that even the simplest actions can be revolutionary for others and can positively impact their lives. Like them, I believe that we should all savor life, live authentically, and remain open to the connections that can enrich our spiritual journeys. As J. Dilla said, "Continue to do what you do... and what you do is thank God.”

Guesnerth Josué Perea serves as Director of Black Lives & Contemplation and is a novice of the Community of Incarnation. He also serves in other capacities as Associate Pastor at Metro Hope Church, Executive Director of the afrolatin@ forum, Co-Curator of the AfroLatine Theology Project, Executive Producer of the documentary "Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatine Spirituality”, and Co-Host of the podcast Majestad Prieta. His perspectives on AfroLatinidad & Blackness have been part of various publications including the New York Times, the New Yorker, and Sojourners & his writings are a part of Let Spirit Speak! Cultural Journeys through the African Diaspora, the Revista de Estudios Colombianos, and Engaging Religion among others.