Cultivating a Relationship with Yourself: Wisdom from an Elder

Recently, I had a conversation with a wise elder in my community. She lives well, with a sense of order, consistency, and intention. Whether she is traveling the world, dancing, serving others, or walking in nature, her life reflects a deep sense of purpose.

During our conversation, she shared a profound insight she had received during her meditation: "Most people do not have a relationship with themselves." Intrigued, I asked her to elaborate.

"In our culture," she explained, "we are taught to value romantic relationships and connections with others, but rarely do we learn how to truly connect with ourselves." She went on to describe what this relationship entails: sitting quietly with oneself, putting quality foods in your body, taking solitary walks in nature, engaging in regular meditation, serving others, and investing in personal development.

She emphasized that ancient traditions understood the importance of this self-connection, often through rites of passage and moral teachings. In today's world, where these traditions may not be as accessible, she encouraged us to seek this knowledge for ourselves. A fundamental step, she suggested, is to explore meditation in its various forms. By prioritizing daily moments of silence and introspection, she assured me, we open the door to meeting our higher selves.

In a society that often values external achievements over internal growth, nurturing a relationship with oneself becomes not just an option, but a necessity for true fulfillment and well-being. It's about reclaiming our inner wisdom, listening to our intuition, and honoring our journey of self-discovery.

As we journey through life, let's remember the wisdom passed down through generations: to truly live well, we must first cultivate a meaningful connection with the most important person in our lives — ourselves.