That’s the reverberant joy of human relationships

Hermes coined the principle of correspondence.

As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul.

This axiom has broad implications in many fields of study, from thermodynamics to alchemy to philosophy.

But perhaps the most useful application on a daily basis is with our emotional lives. As above, so below, as within, so without, this is a striking visual for the correspondence of our feelings.

Because it is impossible for anyone to feel anything for another person that they don’t already feel within themselves.

Take forgiveness, for example. Without our willingness and ability to accept ourselves as we are, it’s highly unlikely we will extend that same gift to others. Without identifying a stable place of acceptance within, our relationships with those around us will always contain tension, resentment, even rage.

Whereas the people who are willing to offer grace to their own imperfections have almost no problem delivering the same unmerited favor to others. That’s the reverberant joy of human relationships. We can’t hold a candle to our own growth path without brightening someone else’s.

It’s always a two for one deal.

How are your inner feeling corresponding to outward realities? Have you noticed that acting with greater forgiveness, acceptance, generosity and love toward yourself only deepens those feelings towards others?

Think of it as being more emotionally efficient. Paying yourself first, trusting that there will be a feelings surplus that expands outward to impact others.

It’s one of the reason people’s generosity warms my heart so much. Even when it’s not directed at me. Because when you see someone earnestly giving to another with great abandon and no expectations, that’s a surefire sign that they’ve already done the work within. It means they hold a sense of abundance and propensity and have already given so many gifts to themselves.

As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul.

Remember, the quality of life depends on the quality of intimacy with self.

When we begin by reaching deeply within to generate the force of love, it can’t help but ripple out and nurture others at the same time.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
How do your inner feelings correspond to your relationships?