Finding Others In Oneness
Seven years ago I relocated to a new city and state. Once I recovered mentally, emotionally, and physically from the transition, I began to desire friends of similar age and like mind. I met a woman who told me about a meditation group not far from where & lived. After contacting the leader of that group, I gathered my courage and determination and I ventured into an unknown neighborhood, in an unknown town, to join people I had never met. My heart pounded as I got dressed and prepared to leave. Walking into a room, not knowing anyone, has always been a challenge for me.
As the daughter of a military man, the wife of a military man, and eventually as a single-again woman, I have relocated over and over again throughout my life. This experience of walking into rooms of strangers is not new to me. It has never become easy or second-nature to me, however, because part of my fundamental nature is shyness. I also am extremely comfortable being alone. I know the value of sharing this journey called life with close friends and I respect my true need to develop meaningful relationships. This is necessary to my well-being. I need alone time and I am happy within myself. However, I also know the power of loving and being loved in return. We are designed for this. We are profoundly connected in our souls and our souls seek to commune with others. Community can be 2 people or 50. It can be in a megachurch or at the family dinner table. Human beings thrive when loved, hugged, and when loving and hugging.
So, I walked into that room and was welcomed gently and warmly. I looked into the eyes of the people telling me their names and reaching out their hands. I saw the sweetness of their hearts and I hugged them in return because I need to be hugged. There were seven of us sitting in a circle. We had tea and a bit of food; some snacking, others having a small meal having come straight from work. The evening unfolded as it began, gently and warmly. We meditated and then read a short passage from Rumi. Discussion followed and each person shared from their journey and from their heart's desire for understanding and enlightenment. The time passed so lovingly that I settled into their presence with ease of heart and mind.
I had found a place to begin. I had met people of like-mind and I was looking forward to getting to know them. I felt a quiet excitement and opened my heart and mind to receive. I suspected there would be familiar souls among those I met, perhaps because our personalities or journeys are similar or perhaps because there are connections from other lifetimes. When we circled for a closing prayer, my heart was overflowing with gratitude that I had the courage to go outside my comfort zone.
Currently I attend a different group on a weekly basis. It is called "Soulful Seniors." The group meets at a local senior center and I decided to go in the hope of finding friends in this city still so new to me. My heart was still pounding in my ears that first time. Once again, I was welcomed warmly and a few people introduced themselves. I chose a chair and, as had become my way, I opened my heart and mind to receive. A few people have become personal friends and others are a joy to know without the need to be in their inner circles. In this group, we study different religions familiar as well as completely new to most of us. It is interesting and has instilled in me a clarity regarding differing belief systems, differing faiths. It has also expanded my own spiritual journey in ways I never expected. This Divine Presence that multitudes call "God" is even more indefinable than I thought.
Personally, I use Divine Love when I connect with the Creator, with God. Divine Love transcends language and doctrine as well as human definition. I know that Divine Love has blessed my life now for three quarters of a century. I know that Divine Love has brought me healing on many levels, comforted my entire being when I have been overwhelmed with grief, and brought me gifted and trustworthy spiritual teachers and friends. Divine Love also allows me to use the gifts I have been given and that I have chosen to nurture and develop in support of others.
Are you desiring opportunities to share life's journey with others in a more meaningful way? If so, take heart, breathe deeply, and go for it! Explore what your church, community/senior center offers. I support your journey into the unknown and send blessings of joy to come.
Contact me with questions, appointment requests, or whatever is on your mind and heart: [email protected] Please consider joining my online meditation groupπ
