Friendship

by Dr. Ronald D. Bissell

Friendship is more than just being friends. It is a connection deep within the spiritual soul that is an unearned gift of love.

“True friendship is seen through the heart not through the eyes.”

Friendship is one of those parts of life that we at times take for granted.

It rolls off of our tongues as if we expect it to be present in all areas of our lives. I hear our ‘friendship is forever’ or ‘friends always’ is a common thread that runs through our lives. But in truth how many true friendships do you have?

Think for a moment and list those you feel are true friends and those with which you have a close relationship. Are they true friends? Is their friendship from the heart? How many people do you truly see as friends?

“Friendship is a living thing that lasts only as long as it is nourished with kindness, empathy and understanding.” Friendship is a gift that two people give to each other. It is not an expected result of meeting but a true and unanticipated gift of enormous potential. True friends form a special connection that will weather any storm. True friends understand being human and give the other room to grow.

True friends are there even when they are not expected to be present. True friends know and cherish each other’s gift.

“Friendship is love with understanding.”

Friendship is a path of unrelenting compassion. It is a view of life that encompasses not just your life but the life of the other. It is a special bond that is created out of genuine affection and is given freely to those who have shown their truth. It is given without the thought of reward but with the essence of the heart which longs for this special connection.

“Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.” Sydney Smith (1771 - 1845)

When friendship comes from the heart it forms a link to our soul that cannot be broken. It connects so strongly that even death does not sever the cord.

That type of friendship exists forever in the realm of wonder for true friendship is genuinely a wondrous thing. It connects the physical with the spiritual and creates an energy that is impossible to describe.

“False friendship, like the ivy, decays and ruins the walls it embraces; but true friendship gives new life and animation to the object it supports.” Richard Burton

Friendship brings light into your world for it gives you the missing link to your soul. It provides a passageway from one heart to another and allows the transference of peace and solitude. Friendship gives and receives all that your innermost spirit desires for within friendship you will discover the Creator’s love.

“The best mirror is an old friend.” George Herbert, 1651

When you look at your true friends you will uncover who you are. You will see a reflection of your soul and will in turn become educated in the pathway you follow. You will see your world before you and will see without any doubts the truth of your way. You see true friends are simply your self in disguise. By uncovering that disguise you see before your eyes the world you created and the being your have become.

“What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC), from Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers By understanding the true value of a friend you begin to see the importance of looking at the reflection they provide and peering into the life you lead. You will see all the gifts you bring into the world as well as any shortcoming you may possess. You will also become a witness to the beauty, wonder, and peace that you give to the world and understand your contribution to the ongoing discoveries you will make.

“Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.” Cindy Lew

Think of your true friends and be grateful for the gifts they bring to your life. Allow your hearts to connect and bring comfort to each other. Expand your world by seeing through their eyes. Give them your love in return for each friend you have is an unearned gift that should be accepted with grace and thankfulness.

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” Anais Nin (1903 - 1977)

Reconnecting with a Friend Do you ever wish you were closer with a particular friend? Now you can be!By Cheryl Richardson from The Oprah Winfrey Show “Lifestyle Makeovers-Fueling Relationships”

The possibility for rich relationships exists all around you-you simply have to open your eyes, open your mouth and most importantly, open your heart.

So now that you want to talk to your old friend, consider the following:

You want to take your friendship to another level? Once you have identified whom you would like to further connect with, follow these steps:

Share your intention honestly. You can use the following example script to convey your intentions to your friend: I’ve made a decision to invest more deeply in the quality of my relationships.

I always enjoy spending time with you and I especially appreciate your (sense of humor, thoughtfulness, generosity, honesty, etc.). I’d love to create a fulfilling friendship where we support each other’s success and growth while having fun. Are you interested? Plan on regular time to get together.

Honour the relationship-make time, be on time, pay attention, etc.

Dare to be intimate: make eye contact; listen more than you speak; ask meaningful, open-ended questions; create an even exchange of energy; share more intimate thoughts and feelings.