Nurture Friendships

This is something I've been wanting to try for a while now
I had a lot of trouble making friends in the past
When I was younger, it was hard for me to relax around other people
But as I grew up, I felt like I had overcome that hurdle and could be myself around just about anybody
I have always felt like an outsider and maybe you do to
The truth is, becoming a friend can happen quickly
But keeping, developing, and nurturing friendships take time
Like tending a garden, you have to plant seeds, water the soil and [?] branches
Friеndship can require constant work, friendship is onе of the best things in the world
But, it's also very hard to understand sometimes
There's nothing like having a good friend
And we can actually try to channel their presence during our meditation
To feel their warmth and generosity of spirit
So let's meditate on this spirit of friendship, on how we can find more meaning in our relationships
And ultimately, how to become a better friend

Close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and allow yourself to sink deeper into your chair or the ground (Nurture friendships)

Soften your gaze and let go of all worry
You are safe here in this moment
Warmth is filling you up, layers of it are coming together around you, gently wrapping you in a cocoon of comfort
Let the warmth expand outward from your heart
Into your fingertips and toes, the tips of your ears, your nose and lips
Feel it through every part of your body, you are warm and good

Who is a good friend of yours?
Maybe it's a classmate or someone you grew up with
Or a family member
Maybe it's someone you just met
Now imagine this good friend is knocking at the door
In your mind, get up slowly and let them in
Welcome them into the room
It's a good friend you haven't seen in quite a while
What is the energy that they bring into the room?

Imagine this friend is sitting right there
Maybe they are laughing or smiling, mischievously
Or maybe they are singing a familiar song
You can see the gaze in their eyes, the way they look at you
It's a feeling of warmth and radiance
What do you see? (Nurture friendships)
What do you observe? It's important to imagine as much detail as you can
What's the vibe in the room? Is it a brightly lit room?
Are there candles?
Hold the image of your friend in your heart and in your mind
What do you want to tell your friend?
Maybe it's what you did yesterday or maybe it's nothing at all
You just want to be in each other's presence
What does your friend want to share with you?
Soon your friend will need to leave
But before they go, perhaps you would like to give them a gift
What is something special you could give them?
What is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Maybe it's something special to you
A book or a flower, a small memento that you would like them to have
Take your time

What is the reaction when you give your friend this gift?
Take in the moment, absorb, and soak it in
It's soon time for your friend to go, that's okay
Let them go out of the door and let's sit for a few moments to appreciate this positive experience

And before we start to open our eyes, just know that anytime you want to visit with a dear friend or family member, all you need to do is invite them back to your room
Imagine their presence to feel their presence
A good friend is there whenever you are in need
With this new awareness of their presence, perhaps you will start to think of this person in a new way
Maybe you will come to appreciate them more
And who knows? Maybe you'll even let them know
When you feel comfortable and ready, please open your eyes