 | Tolerance, Spiritual Intimacy and Empathy: Being a Family |
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Conflict within families can be the most virulent and fierce. They say that you cannot pick your family, but when building a spiritual group, you can. And in a way it is like a new romance as well. At first, you are on your best behavior as euphoria over connecting initially clouds judgment. Be realistic about just how much perfect compatibility you can expect from your fellow members. Don't be heartbroken when you find your coven-mates have flaws or disagree with you on non-spiritual matters. You're not going to change their minds by brow-beating them or giving them the silent treatment. Explain. Clarify. If necessary, agree to disagree and let it drop. We're grownups here. When you find differences, make sure that these are not of an essential spiritual nature. Be respectful of each others' differences and don't be tempted to think that those who disagree with you on certain social or political issues -- or who simply don't care as much as you -- are by definition of bad character. There is no political/ideological orthodoxy among us; some of us are inclined to think that we make our own rules or that there aren't any. Others hold that we are subjects of Nature and must learn the rules if we are to do right -- and survive. This will be reflected in how we see our roles as citizens and what roles our governments should take, if any. What tests the character of a relationship is how conflicts -- which are inevitable as intimacy deepens -- are dealt with. You have flaws also and your views might require revision in the face of new facts. We all have our place in this world and are going on our own paths. Opposing points of view can stimulate us to be clear on our own. We are a Nature-based religion and must concede that there is much we don't know. We are fallible and our capacity to understand is finite. We should give each other the benefit of the doubt and suspend judgment. Be open. What is more important is that we love and trust each other. |
