YH December 2018 | Page 53

Two spouses or partners meditating together is likely the best quality time they could spend with one another. There is a oneness felt in such a situation, that cannot be achieved on a physical or emotional plane. there is an attitude of mutual respect and cooperation. For instance, one partner may be engaged in the working world, but will come home each evening to a meditative atmosphere that has been created by the spouse. This is a karmic arrangement where the meditator provides a connection or bridge to the meditative space, while the partner provides material security. Ultimately, those who engage in worldly occupations must assume the practice for themselves if they are to find that inner peace which meditation brings. A different situation occurs when one of the partners has difficulty accepting the spiritual practice of the other. Some people may consider it foreign to their culture or religion, while others are simply resisting change in their partner, perhaps due to their own insecurities. There is still room for reconciliation if trust and respect come to the forefront. Otherwise strains may begin to leave a mark on the relationship. Such a situation may be difficult because the two parties may be headed in very different directions. A relationship should represent a dynamic rather than a static arrangement. If one person feels held back, frustrations and tensions will ultimately result. Sometimes both partners discover their spirituality at the same time but choose different ways to express it, perhaps joining different groups or adopting different practices. The consequences depend very much on the maturity of the individuals. Those with greater awareness will make every effort to maintain harmony, but not at the expense of their dignity or peace of mind. It is unfortunate that such situations lead to strain, but it is likely that the differences between them would have eventually surfaced, perhaps in another context. One thing to keep in mind is that meditators should not force their ideas on anyone. This may be difficult when they first get excited about their meditation experience. Sometimes it is harder for the people closest to us to recognize our spirituality. There is a certain familiarity based on the interaction of personalities, rather than a deeper connection of two souls. Patience may be required, because as one partner sees positive changes in the other, they may eventually follow their lead, or at least accept the latter’s spiritual direction. It is appropriate to say that the strongest relationships are spiritual ones, where the recognition is on the soul level. The meditator develops a respect for the inherent greatness of all beings, but the partner is the person with whom they have decided to travel hand-in-hand along life’s path. If there is mutual encouragement, the relationship is worth maintaining and becomes an important source of support and inspiration. Two spouses or partners meditating together is likely the best quality time they could spend with one another. There is a oneness felt in such a situation, that cannot be achieved on a physical or emotional plane. On the one hand, it represents a detachment from worldly or physical existence, but on the other, it also represents a shared peak experience. To dive into the deepest silence with someone is a special experience, representing a spiritual bond that touches both at the deepest levels. Dec. 2018 www.yogicherald.com 51