| What is a spiritual relationship? | | | | and trickery. It is so good and subtle at this that we are |
| A relationship is how we relate to other. A spiritual | | | | often fooled by it. |
| relationship is a relationship that aims for the highest | | | | To judge also implies that we are forcing our own |
| good for those in the relationship. It is one that | | | | beliefs, concepts, desires and expectations on another. |
| facilitates our spiritual growth. | | | | In other words, we are not honoring their free will. |
| Here are some tips on how to cultivate a spiritual | | | | Each time we judge another, we are doing ourselves |
| relationship with another. | | | | and the other person a disservice. We are |
| 1. A Spiritual Being in Physical Experience | | | | perpetuating a negative tendency that continues to |
| Most people believe they are physical human beings, | | | | validate our egoic mind. At the same time, we |
| with perhaps some tendency or inclination to seek a | | | | encroach on the other person's space and choice, and |
| spiritual experience. Living with this belief automatically | | | | are more likely to create a resistance in him or her, |
| limits our spiritual experience for it puts our spirituality in | | | | rather than a positive respond. |
| the backseat. | | | | 4. Do not blame |
| Instead, choose to believe that we are spiritual beings | | | | To blame also implies superiority over another. To |
| in physical manifestation. This choice automatically | | | | blame another also means we do not take |
| brings your spiritual experience into center stage, and | | | | responsibility for our share in the relationship. |
| you will begin to see every relationship as an | | | | A relationship is a two-way thing. It takes two to tango. |
| opportunity for spiritual growth. | | | | You cannot clap with one hand. This means that in a |
| Remember, whatever you choose to believe in, you're | | | | relationship, both are equally responsible for the |
| right, for a belief is merely a perception of reality. | | | | outcome. |
| 2. Free Will | | | | When we blame another, we are actually saying, "It is |
| As a spiritual being, we have free will and complete | | | | your fault, not mine." |
| control over our life. However, this is only true IF we | | | | However, we should also remember not to blame |
| have full control over our mind. The more mindful or | | | | ourselves. Since every relationship is an opportunity for |
| conscious we are, the more free will we have. | | | | spiritual growth, take every situation as an opportunity |
| Therefore, in every situation in a relationship, we have | | | | to learn and evolve. There is no need to blame oneself |
| a choice as to how we choose to respond. We have | | | | or others. |
| the freedom to respond positively or negatively. | | | | 5. Acceptance |
| Responding positively not only helps us to grow | | | | Learn to accept ourselves and the other person, |
| spiritually but also offer the other person an opportunity | | | | together with all the strengths and weaknesses. We |
| to do so as well. When we respond negatively, we | | | | are here to evolve into a spiritual being with full |
| miss an opportunity for growth. | | | | consciousness in our physical manifestation. Each of us |
| 3. Do not judge | | | | are here for certain unique lessons. |
| To judge implies that we are superior to another. It | | | | Through acceptance, we help each other to grow. |
| implies that we know better or are more evolved. This | | | | Through acceptance, we let go of our tendency to |
| is the working of the egoic mind. Every time we judge, | | | | judge, blame and control. |
| we validate and strengthen our egoic mind. | | | | In cultivating a spiritual relationship, we are BE-ing |
| Our egoic mind is the proverbial devil in disguise. If it | | | | unconditional love. |
| cannot win by force, it will try to win through cunning | | | | |