What About Your Friends? A Libra SZN Reflection
I’ve been reflecting on recent changes in my life and their connection to the themes of Libra season, such as achieving inner and outer balance, fostering equality, promoting peace, and appreciating beauty in our relationships. I’ve reflected on the nature of relationships and how we’ve learned to value our friendships differently from our romantic relationships. Where I've found myself falling into traps of seeking connection in a particular way to feel more “complete” and how that pursuit made me miss the potency and sweetness of what's available to me within my current relationships.
I've learned the potential for the intimacy, trust, care, and meaningful connections my heart longs for are already within reach if I allow myself to see and feel it. This is because in reality, relationships are relationships and while there may be some aspects that differ, our romantic relationships and friendships are the same at a core level. For any relationship to stand a chance, nurturing friendship is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for trust, acceptance, safety, and support. Often, it is our friends who we find sticking with us through the ups and downs of life, even more than our romantic partners. So, why do we tend to prioritize romantic relationships over friendships? Why do we often take our friends for granted? Imagine a culture where both types of relationships are valued equally.
We all have been there… sitting in a mix of confusion, frustration, tension, rejection, and pain when a friendship fades without understanding the reasons, or when a chance slips away due to unspoken words. Sometimes pride over who's right gets in the way, while other moments are clouded by fear or shame, or we get lost in the busyness of life that feeds this cycle. Then there are those times where we just don’t know what to do or say, leading us to shy away from the discomfort of navigating the complexities of relationships.
Yes, there will always be the seasons where people come in and out of our lives, but what if we handled our friendships with greater care and intention? What if we invested in our friendships just as we do in romantic relationships? I’ve been reflecting on many of my friendships, particularly those with over ten years of history or those that seem to lie in a state of limbo that could go in either direction, and I've decided to take action. I feel inspired to hold friendship vow renewal ceremonies with those who are willing to recommit to the practice of belonging. What if we had a culture where we renewed our vows to one another as friends, consciously working towards deeper relational harmony?
During this Libra season, I invite you to reflect on the nature of your relationships and explore if there is anyone you would like to cultivate a deeper connection with. And if so, I invite you to consider joining me in inviting your friend(s) in doing a friendship vow renewal ceremony. Are you holding onto something in your heart that needs resolution with a friend? Is there something you would like for your friend to know about you (e.g mental health needs, etc)? Have you discussed your values and needs regarding boundaries, communication, and reciprocity? In what ways do you envision your personal growth within these relationships?
Let’s channel the energies of this Libra season and recommit ourselves to one another and elevate to greater heights of intimacy, truth, care, and love. Consider doing your ceremony in community or out in nature! Click here for ceremony guide and ideas!