Guest Author - Susan Kramer

I experience friendship as a 'ship of friends' - together through joys and sorrows; ups and downs.

Let's take a few minutes to appreciate those close to us in this meditation.

Preparation: In a quiet setting, indoors or out, sit straight, hands in lap, eyes closed. Begin by paying attention to your even breathing. Example: Breathe in 1 count; breathe out 1 count; breathe in 1 count; continue following your even breaths for at least a minute.

Now, visualize a friend facing you.

In your mind you might say: "Thank you for being my friend. I appreciate you for listening to me and helping me, even when you are busy. I appreciate that I can tell you anything and you will not judge me. Thank you for your feedback, without demanding I do it your way. Thank you for letting me lean on your shoulder sometimes."

Now spend a minute offering your friend the same gifts of your caring.

To conclude the meditation open your eyes, stand and stretch. Occasionally, verbalize or write to your friends your thoughts of appreciation for them.

Our Greatest Friend
Who ordains, maintains in this domain?
The Planner who set the stars a-light
placing their planets in perfect flight.
The Creator of flowers; delicate, bright
lifting our spirits to thankful heights.
The Force which gathers up the winds
clearing the clouds; blue skies again.
The Nurturer who made water flow
causing seeds and sprouts to grow.
The Loving Heart where souls are born
to come to know we are adorned
with grace 'n harmony to share
the bliss and joy of love 'n care

Article - Susan Kramer
Photo credit Stan Schaap; view over Paris, France, from balcony of Musée D'Orsay. Sacré-Coeur in background; River Seine in foreground with 'ship of friends'.

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