Meeting You

In the end-
all that has mattered
Is that I could see you
Without a judgement or a label
I could feel you when you were in your joy
I could feel you when you dwelt in sadness
I could deeply listen as you waged on the same stumbling blocks-
over and over again
I could be with you when our talk was on the surface
I could even be silent just to hear you
Or if was needed to leave you alone
Even in moments difficult as it sometimes was
That which arose in me
Wanting to offer you advice
To help you in times of need
In the end
I hope to have held back
and let you have your moments
Each and every one
Knowing you had all the answers already, Dear One
And who am I to know the Great Mystery of it all

Thank you Dear One for teaching me to meet you and all others
Where they are
For what has emerged is connections to brothers and sisters
That would never have come
Meeting everyone where they are
We become connected like the One.

Received by Stephanie Sarasvati  1/16/2011

Synopsis:
I have been practicing (not perfecting) meeting family and friends and students where they are.  Not trying to push anyone to be in a different place, and really trying to listen and be.  So many times I suffer because I feel someone else's pain, and want to help them or "fix" them.  But the deep truth is we all have all the answers we ever need and all the lessons we ever need.  I think the biggest gift that we can give is just to be there, listen deeply, let go of all judgements and labels, and be.  Some relationships seem to be growing into such beautiful flowers.  I am so grateful for this practice.  I hope I can become better at it.