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When I look at relationships, my own and others, I see a wide range of reasons for people to be together and ways in which they are together. I see ways in which a relationship - which means something that exists between two or more people - for the most part reinforces people's separateness as individual entities.
Ram Dass
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Relationships can highlight both connection and individuality.

This quote by Ram Dass reflects on the complexity of relationships, suggesting that while they often bring people together, they can also emphasize the individuality of each person involved. Relationships are not just about unity; they can serve to maintain the unique identities and separateness of individuals, offering a nuanced perspective on human connections.

Themes

RelationshipsIndividualityConnectionInterpersonalHuman Nature

In practice

Example use cases

During a seminar on interpersonal relationships, I quoted Ram Dass to illustrate our individual experiences within connections.

More from Ram Dass

Maharajji told me, 'Give up anger and I'll help you.' I found _x000D_ that love freed me back into the ocean of love and my righteous anger didn't do that. And I would rather be free than right.
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The gift you offer another person is just your being.
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Let the natural flow of the universe, course through your being, and harmonize your soul.
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You can be still and still moving. Content even in your discontent.
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The heart surrenders everything to the moment. The mind judges and holds back. _x000D_ _x000D_ In most of our human relationships, we spend much of our time reassuring one another that our costumes of identity are on straight. _x000D_ _x000D_ When we see the Beloved in each person, it's like walking through a garden, watching flowers bloom all around us.
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If you want to cure the world, don't emanate fear - emanate love.
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