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 Key to Transformation

All change begins within. Your thoughts become the things you draw into your life situation; so, when you notice an aspect of your experience that no longer serves you, observe your inner dialogue. It’s likely that an ego-driven script has been running on a loop, once suppressed and unconscious, feeding off your energy, and gathering various moments of self-fulfilling prophesies that reinforce the original limiting beliefs.

Your awareness begins the process of transformation. Once you shine the light of consciousness on the ego, it cannot function with the strength it once did. Little by little the script starts to break down and new experiences are drawn in. The next step is to reinforce your expanding awareness with empowering thoughts, words, deeds and desires. Consciously tap into your ability to take ownership and create change.

In the midst of all this “work” it is helpful to realize that it is play. You have entered the realm of infinite possibility. When old patterns rise to the surface, turn towards them and redouble your efforts. Their appearance indicates readiness to be healed and released. All true change is preceded by chaos; therefore, realize that resistance verifies that you are on the verge of a breakthrough.

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.

Simple Joy

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~
The mind will often tell us that life must fall into place before we can relax and enjoy it; however, the opposite is true. When we relax and enjoy, life falls into place. Rather than chasing a thousand solutions or achieving something of value to leave behind, we discover that the true point of power is in the present moment. Bringing conscious peace into the Now is transformative.
When you are mindful, any choices or actions taken have incredible vitality. It sounds simple because it is. Life is what it is. We can choose how to respond to whatever unfolds in our experience and utilize it as a gateway to higher consciousness. The old saying to be in the world but not of it points to this. We create our own reality, and in doing so, walk gently upon the earth.
Consider being consciously playful and accepting today. Approach each moment without expectation and immerse yourself within it. Operate from love. Observe the antics of the mind. You may discover that everything gets accomplished with greater ease and grace.

Life is an Adventure

“Life is an adventure. If you treat it as such, you’ll enjoy it’s happiness”
~Manny Segarra~
How we choose to see life determines how we experience it. Everyone faces both intense challenges and great beauty – this is a world of paradox after all… but many believe that if they evolve or if they do the right thing that life will fall into place and the struggle will cease. This is only half true. The struggle will certainly cease; however, life will be what it is – a constant ebb and flow of energy and experience. If you allow it, everything will assist you in awakening.
Choose to see your life as an adventure. Face any challenges that arise with expectation and wonder knowing that you are ready for a breakthrough to new levels of awareness. By design we have limited perception. Remind yourself that even though you cannot yet understand the lesson or the purpose behind your current circumstances, that all is well. There may be a new friend among strangers. You may discover new skills and passions. It’s important to remember that life will always present the perfect situation that is needed for your spiritual growth.

Anger

“The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant there?”
~Jack Kornfield~

Anger, whether directed inward or extended outward, is a waste of your precious energy. It causes the cells of the body to deteriorate, it creates a filter that taints everything you see and acts as a magnet, drawing in people and circumstances of corresponding low levels of consciousness.
The mind will tell you that you are right to be angry; however, like anything else, it can be transformed into a powerful aspect of your spiritual growth. Mindfulness allows you to observe anger when it arises, recognize outmoded ideas and beliefs that need to be faced and pivot you toward a breakthrough.
When you interact with someone caught in the web of their own distress purposely choose not to add negative energy to the situation. Anger indicates where healing is required. In that moment it may be difficult to address the imbalance; however, it is an opportunity to bring issues out into the light of day and observe them with a loving heart.
The goal, ultimately, is to learn to rise above anger and reside in the levels of acceptance, willingness and love. The higher your consciousness, the easier things become. Your choices and actions will be empowered and you’ll view life through the heart rather than through mind-made filters.

Friendship

“Your heart and my heart are very, very old friends.”

~Hafiz~

There are moments when we meet someone with whom we have an instant connection. Two souls recognize each other and immediately feel a sense of familiarity, a feeling of “Oh, it’s you!” The friendship deepens naturally and time spent apart doesn’t lessen the love and joy they bring into each others’ experience.

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 your soul friends and express gratitude for the role they have played in your growth. There will come a day when we have a deeper understanding of the energy behind all of these experiences.

As each piece of the puzzle falls into place, a picture emerges… one of purpose, enlightenment, awakening. The ultimate role of friendship is to help one another find the way through this unique process of discovery. Beyond the roles of this life there is a greater collective experience that we will explore. Expand your love outward knowing that we are one.