This blog describes the experience of listening to another person with an effortless attention; without any judgment or comments on what is being shared. It is taken in for its deep value, as one heart speaking to another.
Following our end-of-year tradition, here are our top 12 favorite photos from the blogs of 2023 and links to those blogs.
It is the season of peace on earth and goodwill to all. We won’t go into where this is falling short; instead, we want to say that good will is not just for the holiday season, so let’s look at what it involves.
Whether it is your lover, your friend or a customer service representative, you can change someone’s day, with the acknowledgment that you see them as a person, and offer acceptance and love. After all, it really comes down to the little things.
Sharing is an important component of harmonious relating. Sometimes we get so busy with the doings of life that we miss the opportunity to let another person know how important they are to us. The feeling that another person is interested in you and values you is deeply meaningful.
Balance is not about equality, it is about being in harmony with another, about recognizing that you are partners working together, not competitors. This is the source of balance in your relationships.
Peace is sometimes regarded as an absence or a state of inertness, like the peace of the dead, but thinking that way obscures that it is an actual experience. Just as you can be in a state of agitation, worry or panic, you can also be in a state of peace.
A relationship without respect is like sand in your salad. Respect need not be based on accomplishments or be earned. It is something we offer arising from an awareness of our kindred nature.
Celebrating differences is a choice. When two people relate to each other in this manner, they become a powerful force for peace in the world. When there is no undercurrent of criticism, you can have an attitude of openness. This is where the feeling of connection comes from.
If you want peace, you have to be peaceful. If you want to spread peace, find peace within yourself. This is a process and takes a conscious dedication to observing and opening yourself to finding the peaceful solution in any given event.