Friendship as the Highest Form of Love

“Just be friendly. Rather than creating friendship, create friendliness. Let it become a quality of your being, a climate that surrounds you, so you are friendly with whomever you come in contact.”
~Osho~

Sometimes we meet others and feel an instant connection. From the moment of ‘hello’ there is a feeling of safety and warmth and this person brings something special to your life experience. These are typically reunions of two souls who have played together in many lifetimes. The ease you feel is the natural result of the many interactions and karmic agreements you two have shared.
As an older soul, you may have this feeling often. Your long history on the planet has likely included many members of your soul group. This is why we must be accepting and grateful for those who grace our lives. It might be a brief re-connection or you may share the journey for a while but the feeling is one of coming home.
And when someone leaves your life, know this: you will ultimately spend far, far more time together in eternity that the few moments here in this lifetime that you spend apart.
Let friendliness become your true nature. Your kindness and friendship is simply an abundance which must be shared.
 

The Celtic Vows of Friendship

“You must love in such a way that the person you love feels free.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Relationships offer fertile ground for spiritual practice. When in doubt as to the appropriate action or response, utilize the Celtic vows of friendship. Ask yourself, “Am I honoring his or her path as sacred?” Often we try to get others to adjust to our path. The key is to allow enough space for each person to thrive while offering love and support. Love is simply discovering who you are in the presence of another.

It’s important to be self-observant. Are you bringing an open heart to your interactions or do you keep protective measures in place? Relating to another is authentic when we feel safe and empowered; therefore, notice when you are closed down and tend to your inner state of consciousness prior to your interactions to ensure that you are open.

Nothing is more important than your state of consciousness in the present moment. Zen calls upon us to reside in the Now without distraction. Practice being fully present with those who grace your life. You’ll discover that time slows as inner joy is awakened. Love creates a space in which a transformation can occur.

Friendship

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”
~R.J. Palacio~

Sometimes we meet others and feel an instant connection. From the moment of ‘hello’ there is a feeling of safety and warmth and this person brings something special to your life experience. These are typically reunions of two souls who have played together in many lifetimes. The ease you feel is the natural result of the many interactions and karmic agreements you two have shared.

Often it seems there are an amazing number of synchronistic occurrences that have to fall into place in order for two souls to cross paths. Then, recognizing a kindred spirit – or perhaps a karmic contract – they choose to embark upon a segment of the journey together.

As an older soul, you may have this feeling often. Your long history on the planet has likely included many members of your soul group. This is why we must be accepting and grateful for those who grace our lives. Whether you share the journey for a moment or for a lifetime, the feeling is always one of coming home.

The extent to which you are willing to be supported is an indication of the love you have for yourself. The supporting characters of your life provide a springboard for the discovery of new experiences, thoughts, opportunities and perceptions. Friendship is the highest form of love.

Stillness and Gratitude

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
~John Lubbock~

What happens when we immerse ourselves completely in the present moment? Everything. The world opens, healing begins and we can access the transformative joy of being. You can choose to create stillness throughout the day and intersperse Presence within the chaos. Little consciousness choices can nurture the soul in amazing ways.

Bless the frustrations that have helped you to discover the power of patience. Honor the challenges that have played their part in the formation of your character. Celebrate the friendships that bring laughter and support and love into your experience. These are the gifts that have lasting impact.

It’s enough to stop completely, close your eyes, breathe deeply three times and listen to world around you. With no words, appreciate the Now. Be present and turn your awareness inward. There you will experience the true nature of a soul in the process of awakening. Peacefulness, clarity, patience and beauty rise above the muck to welcome the sun.

Friendship

“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”
~Kahlil Gibran~

Often it seems there are an amazing number of synchronistic occurrences that have to fall into place in order for two souls to cross paths. Then, recognizing a kindred spirit – or perhaps a karmic contract – they choose to embark upon a segment of the journey together.

Be grateful for those who are kind enough to bring laughter and support into your world. These infinite soul connections create an energy and harmony that creates the soundtrack of your life. I often visualize them as a symphony – every instrument is vital and important, and while the music continues if someone is missing, the energy shifts significantly. The nuances of the whole allow greater depth of experience.

It’s important to accept encouragement from others as you walk the path of transformation. Ultimately, the momentum of change is created from within; however, the supporting characters in your life experience provide a springboard of discovery, inspiration, new opportunities and expanded perception. The extent to which you are willing to be supported is an indication of your self-love.

Anam Cara (Soul Friend)

“The one you love, your anam cara, your soul friend, is the truest mirror to reflect your soul. The honesty and clarity of true friendship also brings out the real contour of your spirit. It is beautiful to have such a presence in your life.”
~John O’Donohue~

Our purpose is to learn how to give and receive love. That can only be discovered through the removal of any barriers against love that we have built. As we cultivate independence and self-confidence, we can interact with one another without fear. This freedom allows us to discover who we are in the presence of another.

Most of us have a group of 30-40 souls with whom we incarnate throughout our multiple lifetimes. This soul group works together in various forms, utilizing lessons, drama and unwavering support to help one another evolve. Over time, these beautiful souls demonstrate a seasoned love and steadfastness that can lift us to new heights – even in the midst of our challenges.

Give space to those you love. When your souls meet, consciously bring a gentle recognition to the beauty of the depth of love you have for one another. Your interactions will ultimately awaken a sense of safety, authenticity and support.

The Gifts of Friendship

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.”
~Elisabeth Foley~

True friendship occurs when we have discovered wholeness within ourselves. Instead of looking for someone to complete us, we discover the joy of unity between two unique individuals who allow the winds of heaven to dance in between them.

The greatest gift you can give another is unconditional acceptance, allowing them to discover their inner truth in whatever way which is most appropriate for them. In doing so, we create an atmosphere in which transformation can occur.

Bring conscious presence into your relationships by giving those you love the space they need to grow and thrive. See your connection as a sacred, living expression of Divine love as you honor the perfection of the journey.

Whether we walk with these soul friends for a moment or for a lifetime, the love remains. Life after life we find one another, changing roles and scenarios, learning, teaching, laughing, challenging. Celebrate the deep connection and express gratitude for the role they play in your growth. There will come a day when we have a deeper understanding of the energy behind all of these experiences.

Union

When we come together, a synergy is created that shines brilliantly throughout the universe. This is what love looks like. It is fluid and expansive and allows us to explore life as we discover who we are in the presence of another.

In union, watch how your energies merge and change. Relationships reflect our desire for Oneness. Choose to leave enough room for the winds of heaven to dance in between and enjoy the beauty you create during moments of connection.

All relationships ultimately lead us to a greater union with the Divine. As we learn to provide consistent, loving acceptance for those who grace our lives, we experience the joyousness that results from watching them discover their unique way of being in the world.

Acceptance allows those you love the freedom to shine. In the present moment we can choose to give support and affection with a peaceful, open heart, and honor the riches and inspiration the other has to offer as sacred.

Allow compassion, kindness and gratitude to create a foundation for healthy, supportive relationships. Love with a gentle strength. Love in a way that expands your own heart and you’ll discover a well that never runs dry.

The Joy of Friendship

“Friendship … is born at the moment when one man says to another “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .”

~C.S. Lewis~

Old souls tend to be drawn to those with whom they have a long and varied history. Through lifetimes of experience, they have played several roles with one another, learned together, and can ultimately interact with a sense of familiarity and safety. These are the souls with whom you can be yourself. There is nothing to prove, just a true acceptance that is not impacted by time or space.

When you meet someone and immediately feel something like, “Oh, it’s you!” it’s likely that you’ve rediscovered a soul mate. Long talks feel like you’re simply catching up and there is a sense of safety. Celebrate the beautiful souls that grace your life. Whether near or far, remind them that they are loved and appreciated.

Since most beings on the planet are currently Young or Mature souls, we do not typically have as many in our spiritual peer group. You may just have a few very special connections and find that it is enough. You are loved and supported on many different levels.

Soul Friends

“One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.”

~John O’Donohue~

When you connect with a soul friend, the recognition is immediate. A bond has formed over several lifetimes because of the many interactions you have shared and the feeling is simply one of coming home. Celebrate these beautiful souls. They offer assistance on your journey of awakening.

The roles we play have a purpose and those who grace your life need you to be exactly who you are. Be authentic, loving, open, vulnerable and trust that your higher Self has broader vision than your human perception allows you to see. There are beautiful intricacies in play. Each thread of experience leads us to greater compassion and awareness.

Our soul friends will sometimes act in a way that inspires us to break out of our comfort zone. This is where your growth accelerates. Be willing to trust that you are right where you need to be. Act with integrity, do your best, accept what is. There is far more to life than meets the eye.