Be a living transformer of Love - Step 7
Develop vertical versus horizontal friendships
Often we try to connect with others horizontally - side to side, person to person. On my own spiritual path, I have found that to have a deep and truly fulfilling connection with someone, you have to move vertically. I must elevate myself to my Higher Self and from there connect with the other person on the level of their Higher Self. This key brings us the distinction between compassion and sympathy.
Compassion is helping someone on the level of the Higher Self. Sympathy is trying to help someone at the level of the lower self. Sympathy identifies itself with the ego. Compassion immerses itself in the fires of the heart to uplift and purify others. In horizontal relationships, people always look for guidance outside themselves rather than within themselves. Horizontal relationships will ultimately be disappointing because we look to the human side of the other person for happiness, stability, a sense of wholeness, et cetera. Instead, let us turn to our Higher Self for every good and perfect gift.Source: lecture by Elizabeth Clare Prophet, November 29, 1998
Source: lecture by Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Nov. 29, 1998
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