Right Relationship

Recently, the topic of right relationship has sprung up. It’s had me thinking about what it really means and how it can be applied to all aspects of life. Have you heard this term used before? Are you familiar with what it means? 

We are all in relationships. To be in relationship simply means a state of being connected. Some relationships we are more aware of than others. It’s easy to think of our romantic partners, family and friends. What about the relationships with beings that do not have a human voice? Our furry friends, homes, vehicles and house plants. Our beloved Earth. 

Relationships require effort, care and reciprocity. When we are in relationships where give and take are imbalanced, where equal care is not given, it typically doesn’t go so well. Even in thinking of relations to objects; If there’s no maintenance to our homes or vehicles, after time they fall apart or quit working. If we don’t water our house plants, they wither and die. 

This brings in the meaning of “right”. This is not in reference to right vs. wrong. Rather, it means being in balance. Being right in our relationships means being thoughtful of how we interact in our connections. Are we considerate? Do we honor the ways in which we are supported and nourished in our connections? Does one side give or take more than the other? 

The topic of relationship between the narcissist and empath has been brought forward and become widely discussed in the past few years. What we see unfolding in our own lives is often a micro version of what is at work for the collective. When I think of how humans have been treating the Earth, I am reminded of this dynamic. Endlessly taking without acknowledging the many gifts so abundantly and freely given. In the relationship to Earth, we humans are the narcissists. 

It wasn’t always this way. Reaching back through our healed and well ancestors, I believe we all have connection to practices that fostered right relationship. 

Many indigenous cultures are steeped in the practice of right relationship. For them, it is a way of life. What would the world be like if we were to all embrace this way of living? How can we bring this idea into action? 

We can start today. 

Here’s a short practice to help you along the way.