The Celtic Vows of Friendship

\”The spiritual practice of relationships is about working on ourselves only, freeing ourselves from the constricting grip of our own unhappiness. It is not the other person\’s job to take our unhappiness away; our discomfort is our own responsibility. Attending to our own spiritual tasks – seeing our judgments, opinions, beliefs, demands, and staying present with the fears out of which they arise – frees others to move toward us. Then, when they no longer feel the need to defend, they become more willing to take care of their job. Thus joy in relationships becomes possible.\”
~ Ezra Bayda

The Celtic Vows of Friendship offer six steps to utilize in every type of relationship. At first glance they may appear easy; however, once challenges arise, conscious attention and effort are required to bring balance back into our experience.

Most often, we don\’t realize an imbalance has occurred until we feel upset or disappointed. That disappointment is an indicator that we have attached to an outcome. The level of disappointment shows us the depth and intensity of egoic attachment.

Practice honoring all paths as sacred whether they share your journey or move in a new direction. Detach from desire and demands and instead, choose to experience life with an open heart.

As always, in the midst of any challenge, you have three choices: change the situation, leave the situation or accept what is. Yet many stay embroiled in struggle, rejecting what is, without realizing the gifts of transformation that the present moment has to offer.

You can bring love to any relationship through acceptance, kindness and patience. As you create healing and peace within yourself, it will be reflected in your life.