On Human Relationships
-Relationships can range from physical to vital/emotional, to psychological to mental to spiritual. E.g. if am competing in sports with another, then the relationship is physical. If I have a warm relationship with a friend, it can be mostly vital/emotional, with some degree of mentality as well. If on the other hand, I am working with a colleague on important concepts, then the relationship is mostly mental. I may even have a relationship with a teacher or guru who is bringing one along spiritually.
-We also see that relationships can range from the casual, i.e. non-intense, to the very intense. Eg a romantic relationship may be very intense, whereas a relationship with a colleague at work might be only mildly intense, with occasional flare up of the intense. -There are of course all sorts of people that we can have relationships with. One has relationships with friends, family members, colleagues, significant others, associations, collectives, even with the invisible spirit. Each of these types will tend to have their own dynamics, including different focuses at the physical, vital, psychological, mental and spiritual levels. -In general, we can say that each type of relationship serves a different purpose in our lives. And that the right blending of relationships is an admirable condition. -Some people have many relationships and tend to be more social, outgoing people; while others tend to keep to themselves, with only a few, important relations. There is no right or wrong condition in terms of the quantity of the relations one has. The one caveat is that one’s relationships, whatever the quantity, should be ones that are as positive and uplifting as possible. -The best condition is when one continually seeks to raise up the Quality of one’s relationships. Constant inner and outer attempts to raise the quality of one’s relationship also indicates a person who is making personal progress in life. -Higher human values will always uplift relationships. For example, consciously trying to maintain a sense of Harmony in the relationship will tend to keep it on an even keel. Also higher values like Caring about the other person (self-givingness) instead of being obsessed with one’s own issues will also strengthen relationships. Such higher, emotional and spiritual-like values shift us from a separative, self-absorbed, ego-oriented view in the relationship to one of harmony, affection, and personal growth all around. -In any relationship it is therefore best to continually shift from what you can get out of the connection to what would bring benefit to the OTHER person; to THEIR concerns and needs. -Relationships are always at their best when one consciously responds to the Negative. For example, not reacting to the negative intensities of the other person in the relation, - such as an outburst or accusation, - can preserve the relationship under stressful times. So does taking the other person’s point of view when there is a conflictive view of things. And of course, such negative attitudes and feelings as jealousy, ill-will, superiority, and the like are never conducive to harmonious, beneficial relationships. The key in all of this, is that anytime we raise the level of consciousness in our relationships, we are bound to attract Sudden Good Fortune from the world around us. Try making the effort to improve any of your relationships sometime. You will be amazed by the startling positive conditions that suddenly present themselves! |