Think of a person with whom you share an intimate relationship.
Regardless of who he or she is--or how you may be feeling about them at the moment!--your relationship has (and must have) a one-on-one quality to it. It cannot be otherwise. Second, your relationship, by virtue of the uniqueness of each person involved and the experiences you share, is unique at its very core. Again, it cannot be otherwise. Third, in spite of and in light of each one’s uniqueness, this person (for better and worse) has more power and influence over your thoughts, feelings and actions than anyone else--and you’re the one who willingly gives it to them! And, did I mention, it cannot be otherwise.
Why would we do that?
Because it’s the nature of intimacy. At its best, intimacy invites trust, revels in vulnerability and enjoins courage. It provides safety, relishes humility, and thrives on integrity. It abounds in understanding, fosters honesty, and begets enlightenment. And this, Alfie, is what it’s all about.
But intimacy’s attributes aren’t unique solely to our closest human relationships. They also hold true (In fact, I believe, even more so.) for the unique and empowering relationship each of us can have with whomever (God/Yahweh/Allah, etc.) or whatever (Universe/Oneness/Higher Power/Nature, etc.) we esteem to the level of the holy or sacred or truly “awe-some” in our lives. (Again, regarding the name we use, remember: the label on the jar is not the contents. See Part #2 🙂)
How do we get there from here?
In a word, meditation. When we enter into a practice of meditation (contemplative prayer/centering prayer/deep listening, etc.) we can do so believing and more--deeply knowing--that the one on the other end of our intimate relationship uniquely and genuinely cares for the welfare of each and the wellbeing of all.
TODAY.
LET’S GIVE THE WORLD & OURSELVES A GIFT.
LET’S TAKE TIME TO THINK ABOUT HOW WE THINK.
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