🏳️‍🌈 COMING BACK TO THE CENTER (THE DANCE OF INTIMACY WITH THE COMMUNITY) 🎭

In a long-term relationship, it is often necessary to get back to basics and come back to center with each other.

Anyone in a long-term relationship knows that the dance of intimacy involves coming together and moving apart. Early in a relationship, intense periods of closeness are important in order to establish the ground of a new union. Just as a sapling needs a lot more attention than a full-grown tree, budding relationships demand time and attention if they are to fully take root and when it comes to our communities this vitally important. Once established, the individuals in the union begin to turn their attention outward again, to the other parts of their lives that matter, such as work, family, and friendships. This is natural and healthy. Yet, if a long-term relationship with the community is to last, we need to turn each other with the same curiosity, attention, and nurturance of earlier times, is essential.

In a busy and demanding world full of obligations and opportunities, we sometimes lose track of this primary relationship, thinking it will tend to itself. We may think that our love is strong enough to survive without attention. Yet somehow, life gets in the way and mature trees need water and care if they are to thrive and our communities is no different.

One of the best ways to nourish a relationship is through action and communication. If you feel that a distance has grown between you and your community, do your best to avoid blame and regret. Focus instead on the positive, which is the fact that you want to grow closer together. Sometimes, just acknowledging that there is distance between you has the effect of bringing the relationship into balance. In other cases, more intense effort and attention may be required. You may want to set aside time to talk and come up with solutions together. Remember to have compassion for each other. You're in the same boat together and trying to maintain the right balance of space and togetherness to keep your relationship healthy and thriving. Express faith and confidence in each other, and enjoy the slow dance of intimacy.