Nurture Friendships

Lyrics

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