me...

So many things have been happening for me recently that make me feel certain that my spiritual growth is accelerating. I have met an INCREDIBLE group of friends who nourish and also learn from my spiritual growth as well. I value those friendships and at the same time... those people who are not truly my friends seem to "exit" my life quite quickly. Not "exit" as in die or anything dramatic... they just don't stay a part of my circle. It's as if the energy is quickly known to not be in my higher interest. It's amazing actually. Normally, I would have been the type to resolve or try to make things work out between myself and someone that I wanted to be friends with... not now. It's not that I don't care for the people; it is simply that I don't feel a need to keep "toxic" types in my immediate environment. I am strong enough now to say "No" and stand firm on my own words. It has introduced a few new people into my life as well. So I know that I learn great lessons even from those that seem to have been toxic towards me. It makes me see my own strength, realize my own self worth, and it makes me value that which is true or real to me. There are numerous life lessons that I learn every day... and I am one who is very excited about sharing what I learn. But I have come to realize that not every person that I encounter is at the same "space" I am at in my life. Some people are set in their views and way of thinking that they don't open up to new views or even consider that others might have a small bit of wisdom for them. I am eager to hear about other people's way of thinking, believing, or living. I am quite aware that I can learn from EVERYONE I encounter. I am a perpetual student of life and love. And every encounter I have is a way to learn so much more about my true Self. I believe that certain people resonate well together and that is what forms communities... religions... friendships. But something I read recently really put a powerful perspective on how wisely I need to choose friends... and to know that there is a friendship before I open up my spiritual views to them. It was from the book "Mystic Heart" by Wayne Teasdale... in it there is a sentence that has struck a resounding chord in me... "The Dali Lama often remarks that interreligious dialogue must be based on friendship; the partners in the dialogue must be friends for the conversation to be truly meaningful and life-giving." So this puts into perspective my thoughts of "be careful who you open up to..." I realize that I need to be certain that those whom I encounter are "friendly" and willing to see that my path is a learning one. And that when I open up, it isn't always to preach to them ways that I think people should believe... but rather it is an opportunity to discuss what is occuring in my mind and see if it makes sense when I speak my truths outloud. Often I feel safe to speak to anyone about my truths.. I don't think (or project) that others would be in my environment to sway or change me into their own belief patterns simply because I am not the type of person who would do that to others... the simple golden rule of many cultures... "Treat others as you would have them treat you"... "Be kind to those who you would have be kind to you"... "That which you send out into the world will be returned to you ten-fold"... however you wish to state it , it is all the same. I don't expect others to have malicious thoughts towards me because I don't send that type of energy out there. However, I do know that there are those types of people out in the world and that I will encounter them now and again... it just surprises me when there is a guise of friendship placed at the forefront. I believe and trust first... and then learn.

Now, this may sound like a bit of a rant... but it has been weighing heavily on my mind and I needed to get it out. I don't speak with the most recent catalyst that has caused this outburst. I feel it is best that we not "hang out" together because it usually ends up in a negative situation. Best to leave the anger out of the picture rather than invite the poison into my sacred space. Life's lessons are powerful. Even now I have opened up to another person that I am not certain what the intent is behind the chat. So, I am going to take my valuable lesson learned and apply it to this new situation. Establish a friendship... see if that friendship is nourishing and then see if we are capable of communicating about spirituality without duality. My gut tells me that, yes, it is possible. So, I have a good feeling about this new encounter. Wish me well...

And, to all my friends... beyond any words that I could ever find in this realm... know that I am grateful for your support, energy, love, belief, patience, and understanding of my spiritual growth. Without you, I would be standing still. May you all soar as high as you make me feel.

be well... or just BE.