Feeling Peaceful.

Donkey's Tail on our window sill.

True spiritual love requires openness and trust at every stage. This level of openness will allow each person the freedom needed to develop independently, so that ultimately - together - two become whole. Relationships based on a foundation of truth and love will prevail. Cycles will continue when systems are established and set into motion, be they negative or positive, so if we should choose to perpetuate life through a union with another, it is imperative that we take our commitments very seriously.

I have learned that self-reliance is only an achievement if it allows you the time and space to give and experience more. Otherwise, it is an empty destination. On the other hand, dependence can be quite an achievement if there is total equanimity, where an equal exchange of the spirit is shared. Otherwise, it is eventually debilitating for all parties. Realizing this can help put into perspective the many issues that we face when relating to another. Dedicating ourselves to the practice of serving another can be like a sacrifice exchanged for goodness, or an investment with limitless return. This kind of offering, in the form of a relationship, can be our most important contribution of all to the universe.

Excerpt taken from "Living Yoga: Creating a Life Practice" By Christy Turlington.