  Spiritual
This week: A Team-Building Exercise Edited by: Shannon  
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In psychiatry, symbiosis is "a relationship between two people in which each person is dependent upon and receives reinforcement, whether beneficial or detrimental, from the other." This definition, while simple, captivates me because it applies to each and every human interaction.
I thought about my own soon-to-be 26-year marriage. We absolutely depend on each other for many things: love, support, companionship, intimacy, comfort, friendship. Over our quarter century together we have helped as well as hurt each other, but we always seem to muddle through. Sometimes it's difficult, many times it's gut-wrenchingly painful, but each experience teaches us something new, we grow, and we move forward together.
What about coworkers, friends, and family members? I have one family member who's always been someone I could confide in--a shoulder to cry on, a person willing to listen when I needed to be heard or give advice when I found myself in a quandary. I've leaned on him a lot over the years. Two of those times I thought I was having some sort of breakdown, and when I called him (sobbing for no known reason) he dropped what he was doing just so I didn't have to experience it alone. The roles have recently reversed, however, and I'm the one he's turning to during his time of need. It's a wonderful thing to be blessed with someone you trust this much and to be able to give back a little of what they've given you over the years.
Coworkers can be a little more challenging. When I was in nursing school our instructors took us to a town 125 miles away for an all-day team building field trip. We traversed cables that were strung twenty feet above ground while our classmates below held on to the ropes attached to our sit harnesses, we stood in a circle and one-by-one entered the center of the circle while each of our classmate said one positive thing about us, but the team-building exercise I liked the most was the towel-folding exercise. We sat in a circle and were given one towel to fold. Afterward, our professor instructed us to pass our folded towel to the person on our left. She asked, "Did the person whose towel you're holding fold their towel the same way you folded yours?" Most of us shook our heads. She said, "You will soon be professionals expected to work well independently and as members of a team. Remember, there are many ways to fold a towel, but the towel still gets folded." It's a lesson I've never forgotten. Even though we do things differently, we encourage, support, and respect each other and get the job done.
I have a lot of acquaintances, but there are very few people I would call "close friends". They're like family, really. Sisters. I love them for who they are as they are. We occasionally get mad at each other, speak up when something said or done hurts our feelings, and our friendships deepen because of it. They are relationships of mutual admiration, love, and appreciation. Although there are ups and downs, we know without a doubt we have each other's best interests at heart.
Human existence is a beautiful symbiotic relationship between beings. Whether it be the stranger at the check-out counter, your sister-in-law, or the coworker who always seems to be in competition with you, you have the power to make each encounter a positive one. In every situation we have the choice to say and do the right thing, to inspire rather than dishearten, to be beneficial, not detrimental.
Pause. Breathe. Smile. Listen. Cry. Empathize. Encourage. Embrace. Choose kindness. Choose love, for "When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance." ~ John Lennon
Thank you for reading.
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The following is in response to "The Transformative Power of Prayer" :
shepherd46 writes, "This is a wonderful article, Shannon! As you noted, prayer can transform and uplift and is one of the best ways to help others as well as yourself. Thank you for writing this."
Zeke  writes, "We must always remember that we are praying to a being that has complete power and complete mercy. Trust is the key."
Joto-Kai writes, "I think your atheist friend misses a lot. I can't overlook prayer's effect in garnering optimism, focusing values, sensitizing the mind or stimulating the placebo effect. No, for whatever reason — God has apparently left that ambiguous — prayer is a valuable tool in anybody's belt. Even if He doesn't exist. Now aside from the Turing Test, you can't be assured that I exist, but you don't bother me about that fact! I say, pray on, and don't pester Him for proof of his identity!"
♥ Jbradford is writing ♥  writes, "Shannon, thank you for writing about prayer and faith, as well as the power of our words. These three things spark off myriad thoughts and feelings for me; the most important: is the renewal of my mind. Unless my mind is renewed to the Word, my faith, prayer, and my words lack power. Power to encourage, believe, and most of all, Love. Lastly, thank you for sharing "Invalid Item" ; for this time of loss serves as a personal reminder of God's love and comfort."
Quick-Quill  writes, "I read the atheist comment and it made me pause. What is the difference? I Believe God is in control. I ask for his will but hope for it to move in my favor. "Prayer calms and soothes us. It brings us comfort and peace of mind. Prayer reminds us there is something greater than ourselves while emphasizing our unity with all that is, all that has ever been, and all that will ever be." This was my answer. It's the inner peace that prayer brings in spite of the answer. I don't believe it's a byproduct the unbeliever has. It's a God-given blessing. The inner light that warms the soul in spite of the way things turn out. You can't create that on your own. Thank you for adding that."
SAStephenson writes, "Thank you for this. Prayer really works and at times I get too tired and don't feel like praying, however, it is so great to pray to God. Be blessed and thanks again for sharing."
spidey   writes, "Great newsletter! When I believed in a higher power (I'm an atheist now), I saw prayer as a sort of meditation. I'd think about a problem, ask questions, and often a response would come to me. Whether that response comes from a higher power or from the subconscious is a matter of opinion, but regardless, I think it's a good thing to contemplate problems and issues in our lives.  "
THANKFUL SONALI 17 WDC YEARS!  writes, "Great insights into prayer. Thank you for this newsletter."
dogpack:saving 4 premium: DWG  writes, "For me prayer is powerful because it helps me personally and often is helpful for someone else. The real issue about prayer is BELIEF. I know for myself the Heavenly Father will not force Himself on anyone, so for this reason, people have been given the opportunity to use their free will. They may or may not believe. For me, O believe, have faith, and desire to know and learn more. Whenever anyone wants me to share with them my knowledge and belief, I am glad to share with them. I wouldn't want someone to force upon me information I was not interested in, so will respect anyone who does not want to know. We can still be friends or fellow writers working together to enjoy WDC."
44special writes, "Thank you some good thoughts!"
Budroe writes, "I submit that there is no power greater on earth than effective and fervent prayer. "
Aw, thank you all so much for your lovely feedback! I'm glad you liked the newsletter. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, and thank you for your continued support. 
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Spiritual: March 18, 2015 Issue [#6878]
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