Being Alone Together
“Honoring the soul will have outcomes for our work in the world. But if we want those outcomes to occur, we must approach the soul for no reason other than to honor it, making no effort to direct or demand certain outcomes.”
This quote reflects trust in natural processes, like a gardener nurturing a flower. We can’t force growth, only provide optimal conditions.
A student in this class shared a story of feeling deeply connected to her soul upon meeting a stranger, sharing that meeting him felt like meeting herself, bringing ease and effortless connection. This exemplifies Palmer’s undivided life, where the soul communicates authentically. Whether the connection continued is secondary.
Still, she came to class wondering if the joy she felt was from him or something else. She asked, “Should I seek him out?”
These are deeply human questions, reflecting internal and external pressures. The answers lie within.
She concluded, “But I do feel like it was a really good example for me of what Palmer might mean by being ‘alone together’ or being able to support people without pressuring them into anything at all.”
Her reflection remains a lasting example of this concept.
NEXT STEP: Assignment #5
Kind Living 