Last night my husband and I went on a date. We had a deep conversation that revealed some differences in our fundamental worldview, but rather than feeling threatened by it, I was able to experience the “appreciation” you describe. He was sharing some ideas about God that revealed ways that his worldview is different from mine. I remembered what you wrote and I was struck by this sense of appreciation. I don’t think it comes naturally, but it is a kind of grace when we can see someone in this way. When we experience the blessing of someone’s otherness rather than their sameness, we recognize they are giving us something precious, their true selves. Thanks for this insight!
Wow, well said, especially the last line: "When we experience the blessing of someone’s otherness rather than their sameness, we recognize they are giving us something precious, their true selves." So very true on BOTH a worldly and spiritual level!
Here is a comment from a friend I received through Facebook on the article: "Hi Zeus, read your recent article on 'soulmates' and have had so many experiences in this realm of romance. I've reflected on it for decades, after each ending, and have observed repetitive patterns, and the two that appear strongest for me are karma and parental and societal." Here is my response: "Yes, we seem to get the sequence and events and even purposes of soulmates generally right (I think) even when we get the particulars wrong oftentimes, but I wrote the article to basically respond to: "Okay, you may be able to explain it, but NOW what do you do with your knowledge to reach a more and more spiritual level in relationship." That is what is missing in the more infantile versions of soulmates, and one can tell why: They simply don't have the life experience to grasp and imagine the higher alternative, because they "ain't there yet." Ultimately one can only speak from the authority of experience and the level of wisdom one has already acquired through that experience."
Last night my husband and I went on a date. We had a deep conversation that revealed some differences in our fundamental worldview, but rather than feeling threatened by it, I was able to experience the “appreciation” you describe. He was sharing some ideas about God that revealed ways that his worldview is different from mine. I remembered what you wrote and I was struck by this sense of appreciation. I don’t think it comes naturally, but it is a kind of grace when we can see someone in this way. When we experience the blessing of someone’s otherness rather than their sameness, we recognize they are giving us something precious, their true selves. Thanks for this insight!
Wow, well said, especially the last line: "When we experience the blessing of someone’s otherness rather than their sameness, we recognize they are giving us something precious, their true selves." So very true on BOTH a worldly and spiritual level!
Here is a comment from a friend I received through Facebook on the article: "Hi Zeus, read your recent article on 'soulmates' and have had so many experiences in this realm of romance. I've reflected on it for decades, after each ending, and have observed repetitive patterns, and the two that appear strongest for me are karma and parental and societal." Here is my response: "Yes, we seem to get the sequence and events and even purposes of soulmates generally right (I think) even when we get the particulars wrong oftentimes, but I wrote the article to basically respond to: "Okay, you may be able to explain it, but NOW what do you do with your knowledge to reach a more and more spiritual level in relationship." That is what is missing in the more infantile versions of soulmates, and one can tell why: They simply don't have the life experience to grasp and imagine the higher alternative, because they "ain't there yet." Ultimately one can only speak from the authority of experience and the level of wisdom one has already acquired through that experience."