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Friends

July 29, 2007

susan_preston_siblings.jpg

Friends ~ Canon 30d

A friend is someone whose love remains constant, no matter the amount of snot on your face.

Isn't this what metta, or unconditional friendliness, is all about? Comfortable or uncomfortable,known or unknown, with snot or without snot, our hearts remain open and receptive... no one is locked out. It might seem as though we train our hearts and minds to think this way for the benefit of others, but this is merely a side-effect. In challenging our narcissism, we stretch our zone of comfort, and although this is a painful thing initially, the wider we allow our zone of acceptance to grow, the less suffering we encounter. No one, not a one of us, can hopscotch across the mandatory steps of humility and generosity if our goal is to create harmony and reduce suffering in our lives.

This is why I practice metta ~ not because I am an expert, or I've figured anything out completely. We all need a daily reminder that generosity of our hearts, labor and time are the most effective use of our inner power.

So, here's a kleenex, friends. We're all in this together.

Posted by vincent at July 29, 2007 11:04 AM

Comments

This photo brings a big smile :)

I agree that this path of lovingkindness benefits all and traveling it will leave benefits for all in its wake.

Thank you for continuing to keep this important process in front of all of us, Susan.

Posted by: Star at July 29, 2007 04:59 PM

I love this picture.

Great words, as well...

Posted by: beth at July 30, 2007 09:37 AM