Sacred Relationships

Cheryl Richardson said, in “The Unmistakable Touch of Grace,” when we decide to have a more conscious life, one of the effects is “instead of seeing our experiences or encounters with others as random occurrences, we see them as deliberate spiritual events that remind us who we really are – magnificent souls being molded and shaped by sacred hands.”

This gets me thinking again about the people in my life.  Everyone, from my partner to the “extras” who pass through.  The chance encounters, the cashiers along the way, the delivery guy. What if I was to see all my encounters as “deliberate spiritual events”?  Maybe I would treat them a little differently, think of them in a fresh way.

The person in front of me is not here to hold me up, but to teach me patience. That woman wasn’t being selfish, she was letting me practice compassion and equanimity.  That guy isn’t trying to waste my time, he is in need and hoping I can help him.

Some people are mirrors, reflecting back to us things we may not see in ourselves.  I find sometimes, if I am listening, I overhear something. I may not even know the context, but the words illuminate something I haven’t seen before and I get clarity.  What a gift that person was to me! He or she may not even have a clue, not even know who I am.  There are those magical moments when you’re standing at a bus stop, for instance, and someone shares words of wisdom with you and then fades into the back drop of other riders on the bus.

The trick is to see everyone like that.  Even if it’s not a life changing encounter.  But to see all encounters as sacred, as touching your life in some way.

This brings a new light to all your relationships, encounters, and interactions.  It makes life so much more beautiful and vital! Rather than looking for what you or the other can gain out of the relationship, if instead you are looking for the gift, the light of growth, doesn’t that sound like more fun?

I’m going to try to see every interaction – especially those which are a bit trying – as sacred.

Questioning

Seems an odd way to go about things. But check this out:

What if you asked yourself questions for the day?  How many people can I serve today?  Whether that’s by taking action for someone or just smiling, holding the door or nodding.

You might ask yourself – how am I feeling today?  What could I do to feel better/even better?  It’s always a good idea to ask that question several times throughout the day.  How am I doing now?  It makes you pause and return to the present moment.  You must pay attention in the now to know how you’re feeling.

Perhaps you’re working on a project, a dream or a goal.  You might ask:  What can I do today (or now) to move this ahead?

Questions can come in handy when you’re learning something. Ask for clarity or voice a supposition.  You’ll be surprised how much you can expand from doing that.

Sometimes asking questions of others can be a little scary.  I know I often shy away. So it’s a good way to practice being more assertive.  If you’ve got a burning question, ask it.  You know, they say, there are no stupid questions.  I’m of the belief that it’s far more stupid not to ask questions. Questioning means you’re thinking. You can’t know everything.

Paulette Terrels, in her “Whispering” today asked, “What are your plans for today? Who will you share your generous heart with?  Can you find the sacred in the simple things?” Good questions. She tells us that “life is lived within our questions.” Those questions can shape how our day will go. Paulette further challenges us to be open to receive the answers we get.

Ahh, now that’s an important piece.  What are the answers?  Where are they?  Could we find them in the present moment, in flashes of Grace, in the chance hearing of a lyric that grabs you, in the kind words of a friend?

 I plan to design my days around some conscious questions.  How about you?