Relationship Dancing

Relationships. You can't live with them, and you can't live without them! Whether it is a lover, a friend, a parent, a sibling, or a co-worker, relationships often challenge us in the practices of compassion, patience and non-judgement.

I've been thinking a lot about what I call the "Dance of Relationships" this past week, and I've been dancing hard! How about you? Would you consider your relationship dances something along the line of the sultry and seductive salsa, or more like a two step that has you tripping over your own feet, or perhaps a sweet waltz?

Within the realm of Whole Health, relationships are a primary category of consideration. They are often where we get stretched and pulled the most, where we bump up against our deepest issues, and where the mirrors get held up for us to be able to look honestly at ourselves. They can be frustrating, infuriating, challenging and maddening. They can also be beautiful, profound, hopeful and wonderfully loving. Either way we have the opportunity to learn great lessons and grow ourselves exponentially.

There are times when I have fantasies of being a hermit in a cabin in the woods somewhere, with no need to interact or engage with others. This is usually when I am feeling pain, anger, or sadness due to a relationship issue with a loved one. Other times I experience my complete connection with others in a way that finds it hard for me to even remember that I have ever felt pain, and completely willing to open up my heart in vulnerable ways.

The truth is, relationships can't exist in a vacuum. We need one another to grow, develop, evolve, remember, and feel. We need one another to tap into that incredible source that feeds all relationships-love, and the desire to love and be loved in return. Even relationships such as with co-workers, or less intimate acquaintances, rely on this element to survive. Love is fed by respect, trust, honesty, truthfulness, caring, compassion and patience.

Take a look at the relationships surrounding you. Are they feeding you? Are they helping you to grow and evolve? Do they validate the beauty that is all of you? Are they supporting your dreams and believing in you? Are they working in collaboration with you, or creating resistance and sucking your energy?

The Dance of Relationships is not an easy one. But when we put our attention to the caring of them, have a clear vision of what we want from them, and are willing to put a little work into them, the rewards can be amazing.

Perhaps it is time to do some inventory of how the relationships in your life either support or sabotage your desire for Whole Health and Happiness. The Fall season, typically known for harvesting, abundance,and letting go, offers an inspiring metaphor.  Choose the tune you want to dance to, and get dancin' with a few good dance partners.  Those that can't hear your tune? Let them go....