Reviewer:
A reader from San Jose, California
This book is a treasure, one that I will return to over time as Life's
different lessons surface to challenge me. The authors present the many
questions that arise from relationships beautifully, grounding them in
the necessary but often-belittled work we must do on ourselves, alone as
well as with another. Viewing the relationship entity itself as a third
partner, the Beloved, helps in recognizing that we each interact not
only with our partner, but also with the energy of partnership as though
it were an individual. The chapters can be read either sequentially or
separately, as their specific energies are needed. In fact, I think the
stand-alone nature of the chapters makes the book particularly useful.
The meditations also work well whether you do them progressively or
return to them as you feel the need for a specific meditation's
strengths.
Most importantly, the book focuses on the importance of consciousness at
all levels of relationship. The authors manage to make the book germane
whether or not the reader is engaged in a relationship at the moment.
Those who are in a relationship can use the book to deepen their bond
and understand one another. Those leaving a relationship can use it to
learn and heal. Anyone can benefit from the familiarity that comes from
consciously examining their relationship persona and its impact on
interactions with others.
Especially poignant is the chapter on conscious closure of relationship,
providing insight and great support when saying goodbye to loved ones,
whether the parting occurs through death or a decision to go separate
ways. Understanding the importance of forgiveness and the role of ritual
in taking affirmative steps towards making peace with partings is
empowering. The authors gently address the pain of closure, and provide
concrete examples that can help to ease the hurt while opening yourself
up to the new beginning birthed by every goodbye.
|
