Hi BirdDancer!

Thanks so much for sharing!

I, too, find the "rat race" drives much of what goes on in our world. Too much.
I find most people around me are caught up in their race and when they take a break, they are watching TV or otherwise getting lost in some electronic something.

How do people truly connect on a deeper level? Do people want to connect on a deeper level?

I have often searched for deeper relationships. Once in awhile, I'd find someone interested in sharing and in truly getting to know one another, with no ulterior motive. It can be scary to share enough about ourselves to allow someone to truly "see" us. Relationships like this can be so much more rewarding. They can also be very challenging.

Relationships built upon open sharing can grow to be very strong and, for various reasons, can suddenly fall apart. The survival of such a relationship largely depends upon the dedication of each party to see things through. I have found the most healthy, fruitful and stable relationships have been friendships in which both parties practice mindfulness and set healthy intentions for the friendship.

I need to get out more and spend more time in nature. I find walks in nature both ground me and center me.

It's been a long time since I have found/participated in a friendship in which we both enrich one another's souls.

Just yesterday, I'd found current contact information for a friend I have not seen in 25 years. We used to be very best friends, sharing big parts of our lives, always helping one another, laughing heartily together, etc. Over time I grew in a very different direction. We no longer "jived." I was very highly criticized for adopting a life in which I'd practice mindfulness. It was very difficult to part ways. The only way we could let go was to simply stay away from one another. This was a very painful way to deal with our differences. Knowing what I know now, I'd hope we could handle things very differently. Even now, I cannot and do not, expect her to be any different than she is. In this case, I am hoping to connect in order to simply express my gratitude for the years we did have together as best friends. We may or may not decide to "catch up." I'd like to do so; yet, she may not desire the same. It's important I accept her exactly as she is today. Honestly, I hope I will be accepted in the same way. I don't expect a major rehab of our relationship. It's okay for us to live in very different places while continuing to fully honor one another.

Deep, soulful relationships tend to demand more thoughtfulness and, often, more dedication than the average relationship. The rewards can be great! The misunderstandings can be many. Yet, if parties move forward in a friendship while setting clear and healthy intentions, and while practicing mindfulness, the chances of nurturing one another's souls, the likelihood of enriching one another's lives, is infinitely greater.

Okay! Back to the "rat race" I go!!!

Much Love~