December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

Non-attachment and friendship. This idea affected all my friendships. We all bring expectations to friendships, whether this relationship is mere acquaintance or deep soul mate level. It’s not that I am not attached to these friends, it’s more like I am working on finding the space within myself to accept what each person has to offer. This is in direct contrast to asking a person to meet my needs. It asks me to really take in the gifts of the person in front of me. Who are they really without me in the picture? If I can be still, who do I see? Each connection feels more like a blessing the more I am able to act with non-attachment. I can see beauty in places where I used to use judgment and blame. People have so much more to offer me what I stop trying to take from them.

Maybe this sounds pretty esoteric, but this idea has changed how I feel about many people in my life. It really is, again, all about being present in the moment instead of bringing how I felt yesterday about the person I am seeing again today.