​As we journey inward, we may be urged to examine the true nature of our relationships. Seldom do they resemble the photos on greeting cards depicting lovers passionately entwined before a glorious sunset. In real life, our relationships are full of ups and downs, periods of challenge balanced with periods of great joy. If anything, these periods are our greatest teachers. 
 
Our personal journey to awakened living is validated not by being alone, but in relationship with others. Learning how to love, teaches us how to live.

These days, this is very much where I find myself:

The older we get the more we may realize that not much in life matters if we don't have love. Love of family and friends. Love of work and creative expression. Love of the Earth and her bounty. Love of growth and the opportunity to be all that we can be. But in order to receive this love, we must have an open heart. We must be able to fully give love, too.
 
Today let us re-dedicate ourselves to living with wide-open hearts as best we can; to not shut down or close off to others; to not judge or discriminate or neglect. Let us extend ourselves to others as best we can. Let us live with unconditional friendliness toward all beings, both animal and human. Let us we be kind.
 
This is a life worth living, one rooted in love.

Every relationship has a holy purpose. 
Each encounter, each intimate union,
provides our deepest self with an opportunity to grow. 

Through our interactions with others, 
we are gifted with the chance to transform 
into the highest version of our self we can be. 

The universe partners us with those individuals
with whom soul healing may occur. 
Discover what it is you are to learn from this person
and they, in return, from you. 

This is the sacred invitation found in all relationships.

©2023, Janice L. Lundy