Companionship

Companionship March 5 2010


Spending time together – a flock, a pack, a family –

Restores a place that’s deep within.

We’re not designed to live alone –

We don’t stand and fall all by ourselves;

Instead, like flocking birds and fish in schools,

We align with others,

Exchanging energy and molecules --

Finding joy as we sit quietly together

And breathe in harmony.


A quiet time in company

Soothes the soul and heals the heart,

As peace suffuses us.



Reflections

As citizens of the United States, we learn from an early age the value placed on “rugged individualism,” – the ability to be alone, live alone, succeed alone. We are praised for our successes alone, for the competitions with others in which we stride ahead alone, claiming the prize by ourselves. Yet, the opposite model – the team, the family, the collaborative group -- seems to bring us peace and contentment – even joy.

I’m writing as I sit in a lovely study, lined with elegant bookshelves, the ceiling fan stirring the air ever so lightly, a lamp beaming down on my laptop. I’m in the midst of family – sharing the moment with a dearly beloved person and our dogs. The place feels nurturing and the passing time brushes our peaceful spirits with a velvet hint of infinity.

Tomorrow’s turmoil will arrive tomorrow. Right now, I revel in the feeling of love and peace.