wealth of Relationships

​“Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world.”
— Wayne Dyer
 
 
I grew up in a family that had very limited financial wealth but they enjoyed a wealth of relationships with one another. Everything in life was celebrated with meals and family gatherings. Family vacations were not at luxury hotels but at fishing camps with a large gathering of other families. Of course as a teenager I wanted more in life and wanted to experience what others were experiencing. That is when I started focusing on acquiring financial prosperity. 
 
I now appreciate the blessings of the foundation my family built for me that has helped me experience life to the fullest regardless of what I read or see in the news on television. Our family of two started the day we were married almost 50 years ago. Our foundation began by forming a deeper relationship and friendship with one another. We are blessed to pass that on to our children their spouses and our eight grandchildren. 
 
Our five intense years starting the Marriage Encounter movement in Louisiana allowed us to experience a growing relationship with one another and unique friendships of couples and families who became very close working untiringly to bring this experience to couples in the New Orleans area. This shared mission with dedicated couples bonded us in such a deep way that to this day we can go years without seeing each other and yet meet by chance and it’s as though we have been in touch weekly. Following that experience we continued to seek such friendships and spiritual experiences.  
 
One of the many resources I tap into for support in my quest for personal and spiritual growth is a daily newsletter from Father Richard Rohr. By staying connected with his teachings I learned he just completed his new book The Divine Dance.  I immediately ordered it and received my copy the first day it was available. One quote from the book that supports my thinking "The Divine Dance, along with thousands of other rising voices, is a violation of Empire and a celebration of relationship. When one has seen the profound mysteries lovingly revealed here, one cannot un-see. When one has heard, there is no going back; suffering cannot wipe away the heart's smile."
 
I believe all relationships begin with me first. I need to be in a comfortable positive relationship with myself before I can connect with anyone else. That is why I use many of the tools from my tool box on a daily basis. My habit of starting my day writing what I am grateful for allows me to reflect on me but also sets the foundation for me to connect with others who are grateful. Being around these people inspires me.