We have met some people who, in their efforts to reach God, the light of all creation, have avoided intimate relationships altogether. They believe the only way to attain true spiritual awakening is by shunning the world and its complexities. Often, these people are convinced that by remaining single and solitary, they are coming closer to the highest spiritual awareness. In addition, we have also met many couples who are ex-periencing difficulty in their relationship and who seriously doubt that being in a relationship can possibly enhance their spiritual growth.

Indeed, throughout the course of history, spirituality was often kept separate from relationships. Individuals following a spiritual discipline often felt they needed to stay away from relationships. In their minds, rela-tionships were thought to be a "worldly" activity, a departure from the spiritual path.

Yet, through our own joining, we have learned something very different about the nature of spiritual awaken-ing and relationships. We feel that everyone's essence is a vast spiritual energy, a radiant light which is help-ing us to grow and unfold the petals of a magnificent flower. That flower, that magnificent inner light, is us -- our real identity. It is only by knowing this deepest part of ourselves that we can acquire true wisdom, true happiness, and "the peace that passes all understanding."

In addition, we have learned that the process of relationship can be a sacred path. Far from being an obstacle to our spiritual development, relationship can actually be a catalyst for the unfolding of the flower of our-selves. The process of joining with another can be a way of accelerating our growth and can be a powerful spiritual journey of awakening. Walking the path of relationship deepens the soul's capacity for compassion, the heart's capacity for embracing love, and helps us to understand love's cycles of giving and receiving. The closer we come to another, the better we come to know ourselves and, in so doing, the closer we come to God, the ever-present light and love within and all around us.

May we all, in this new year, accept the challenge of seeing God in one another and in ourselves as well. May we touch the divinity in those around us, and let that touching prove our own divinity. May we hear the voice of the Creator speak to us from lips not our own, so we can remember that the Creator speaks through our own lips.

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids 2. Taj Mahal 3. Grand Canyon 4. Panama Canal 5. Empire State Building 6. St. Peter's Basilica 7. China's Great Wall.

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.

The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are: 1. to touch, 2. to taste, 3. to see, 4. to hear." She hesitated a little, and then added, "5. to feel, 6. to laugh, and 7. to love."

This girl had her priorities in the right place. May we all learn from her.

Here are a few opportunities to bring more love and growth into your life, at the following longer events led by Barry and Joyce Vissell: Jun 10-16--Living from the Heart Retreat at their home; Jul 7-12 & Jul 14-19--White Water Adventures in Northern CA; Jul 21-26--Breitenbush Hot Springs Family Retreat in Oregon.

Joyce and Barry Vissell, a nurse and medical doctor couple since 1964, are the authors of The Shared Heart, Models of Love, Risk To Be Healed, The Heart's Wisdom and Meant To Be.