From the Editor
Relation
Ships on the Sea of Love
Reflections
for Lovers Everywhere
A friend recently said something to me that I’d heard before, some version of it. This time it lingers with me, as I find myself venturing once again out into the world… to…maybe…find a relationship after about three years of relationship-recovery: “The exploring of every relationship is the exploration of your own self”. Now, those of us who like to take advantage of today’s primary luxury - introspection, already know this. Some of us might even know that the knowing of ourselves is the primary reason we crave relationships. Every relationship illustrates for us something our soul needs to know – for that ideal transcendance of the pain and unrest that visits and exists in most human lives.
More and more of us are increasingly affected by the state of the world outside ourselves, more and more we know these inner and outer worlds are becoming blurred in their separation. Predominantly for many of us, our lives and relationships are characterized by change and instability. How can we then build lasting intimate relationships?
In any relationship, we are called to give of ourselves to another. In life, we all eventually begin to understand how energy itself is limited, it runs out. We begin to understand that we have to know ourselves in order to be able to give in ways that do not deplete ourselves – or others. How many of us have or have had relationships that leave us weakened and drained? How many of us are aware of our own part in that? Chances that we will give away what is sacred to us, and take from our partner what isn’t ours to take, are increased if we don’t know – and love – ourselves …and passionately. Sooner or later, we discover that we have to be strong enough to stand apart from all relationships at any moment, and reflect on our very distinct existence – one that no other can share. Then can we actualy share with someone else in richness and peace.
We have to be able to step back and objectively see ourselves “relating”! No matter what the nature of the relationship is, we have to witness how it conforms to or sways from our wishes and expectations and imaginings. It is important for us to be able to see ourselves in our partner, some reflection that mirrors our view of our self. Needless to say if our self-image is suffering or askew, so will our relationships. Our soul wants and needs to witness and know what effects us and how; “What are my responses? What responses do I elicit from my partner? Why?” Because all that we see and know in our inner world, becomes the signposts of our divine guidance in the outer world. Step by step, we walk the path that widens – saves, strengthens, enriches, heals, expands, illuminates, unites and binds together the creatures of God. Might this just be a purpose enough? Is this not glorious?
The faithful in this day have such tremendous potential for affecting the spiritual maturing of mankind. They are the ones whose traditions often train the individual for self-discovery. The times in which we live are about the mysteries of the quiet “within” – the Self. The Self is the new ‘Messiah’, if you will – the point of transformation from a warring society to a peaceful one; the point of the knowledge of God relative to our times. Through the craving of expansion and knowledge of our selves, there emerges global communication technologies, heightened awarenesses of human and environmental inter-connectedness, and understanding and compassion for others that is changing the world as we speak. Today, so much more than yesterday, the human mind is encountering and absorbing new ideas and concepts, interacting with nuances of thought and feeling, of human nature, nurture and transcendence.
On the other hand, stresses are increasing, instability is rising, chaos is rumbling under every foundation; the process of exposure to, then absorption, and integration of information into the collective human mind is turbulent and unpleasant. But as consciousness expands, as it is doing on a global level, so eventually does the inability to behave in a destructive and unmindful way. Instinctually, even spiritually, our beings crave a release from bondage; we’ve begun to taste awareness, taste harmony, and faith is a facilitator of that.
People, through introspection and self-knowledge evolve a clearer understanding of oneness, of connectedness with all things, and come to see the separateness of things to be an illusion. To focus on the separateness, to dwell on the divisions, perpetuates a fragmented reality; one that eventually threatens life itself. So we look to others more and more to know ourselves, to reflect aspects of our humanity, our treasures and our troubles. Only then can we learn to address our own needs – for love, sustenance, inner peace, creativity and survival. We watch ourselves in our relationships. We watch ourselves giving to others. We learn to be aware of how and what other people give to us, along with the consequences of our giving and taking. And if we are true, we can actually live a life of love, in its many forms, beginning with the Self.
"Blue
Passion"
RL Johnson
This month's
articles of
various interests...
Stupidity
is the enemy;
Idealism is our only hope
Islamic
Contributions to
Civilization
