Strengthening Internal Family Harmony and Cohesion
Navigating trampled relationships can be a tough task, but it's essential to keep the spark alive, especially when we're at odds with the ones we love. How can we preserve the love and unity when things get rocky? By focusing on our spirit.
Ever been on the receiving end of a comment that feels like a personal attack? It's natural for our emotions to surge, and defensiveness takes the wheel. But when emotions rule the roost, we lose sight of who we truly are as spiritual beings.
Baha'u'llah, the prophet and Baha'i faith's founder, wisely penned, "A drop of divine knowledge can make you realize that true life isn't about the flesh, but the spirit." And he urged, "Strive to develop man's spiritual nature and help him grow towards his highest destiny."
When we lose our spiritual compass, our ego takes the wheel, causing us to react rather than respond with reason and spiritual detachment. It's crucial to pause, take a deep breath, and let go of the heat of the moment. Instead, ask yourself, "What do I need right now? What does my loved one need?" Am I controlled by my ego or acting spiritually without any attachment to ego?
This challenging transition requires equanimity, which comes from remembering our divine origin and the love our loved ones hold in the eyes of God. Baha'u'llah reassured us, "I knew My love for you before creating you, engraving my image on you and revealing my beauty." Reminding us that each of us is a reflection of God's love.
But when our ego gets the better of us, and we become arrogant and proud, we forget the truth about ourselves. Accountability is essential, so frequent self-assessment can help put things in perspective. Not only is it beneficial, but Baha'u'llah called us to do so, writing, "Ask of Me, and I shall answer thee. Walk with Me, and I shall guide thee."
Before we take responsibility for our actions, we need to clear the mental clutter so we can figure out the truth about ourselves and our failings. Cleanse my eyes, that I may see the wonders of Thy law.
With a clearer mind, we can move forward, regaining the love and empathy we feel for our loved ones. We must be humble and recognize that "I am only human, destined to falter, but I can learn from my mistakes and do better." Self-assessment demands honesty, focusing on our flaws, not our abilities but the times we've caused pain to others, usually as a result of our insecurity and fear.
The illusion of fear can lead us to act or react without thinking, cheating ourselves and others. Bahá'u'lláh enlightened us when he said that this physical world is illusory. But our physical experiences provide a foundation for understanding the world. We must ask ourselves, "How much of my experience, the feelings, thoughts, and observations of my loved ones, is real or an illusion based on my perception?"
Illusory thoughts can create fear, fear of loss of control, helplessness, or abandonment, whatever it may be. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá'u'lláh's son and designated successor, reminded us to change our frame of reference, to look at situations from different angles. It's essential to see our loved ones through their eyes, provide emotional support during difficult times, and wrap them in the loving embrace of God.
In the end, personal perspectives and introspection developed through self-assessment help us live with purpose and meaning. These traits, such as humility, empathy, and active listening, promote trust and association. Furthermore, they allow us to come from a peaceful, humble perspective and approach conflicts with love and patience, ensuring the health, safety, and unity of our home.
And, as Romans 14:19 in the Bible advises, "Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." We must remember that our higher power, in His infinite patience and tolerance, encourages us to improve when we stray from His teachings, calling us to account: "Come now, let us reason together" (Isaiah 1:18).
The family is the cornerstone of civilization and the foundation of society. By fostering joy and tranquility in the home, we can ensure that faith remains a constant presence. Our families serve as a doorway to building a progressive civilization, where love and unity thrive.
- To preserve love and unity when relationships become challenging, it's essential to focus on education-and-self-development, specifically personal-growth, by seeking divine knowledge, striving to develop our spiritual nature, and engaging in regular self-assessment.
- Maintaining a peaceful, humble perspective in our relationships demands introspection and personal-growth, which lead to traits such as humility, empathy, and active listening. These traits foster trust, association, and help us come from a loving and patient approach to conflicts, thereby ensuring the health, safety, and unity of our home.
