The Spiritual Purpose of a Relationship

Each relationship that you’ve had, whether short-term or long-term, can be interpreted through the lens of spiritual purpose. Why are you and your partner in each other’s lives? What are you here to do for each other spiritually? I’d learned of this concept during my 20s but just in a very limited way. The idea was that we’re all spiritual teachers for each other. A relationship is supposedly a spiritual growth experience. I think that framing held me back because it doesn’t fully encompass what’s possible. My first marriage to Erin did seem to have that purpose of being co-teachers to each other. In the early years of our 15-year relationship, Erin and I often noted that I was teaching her courage while she was teaching me compassion. We both learned a lot from each other, sometimes by example and something through direct help and advice. That relationship was challenging at times, but it was also loving, supportive, and patient. We shared a long journey together, which eventually came to an end. When I look back upon that relationship, it feels like it fulfilled its purpose for us both. One friend said to me afterwards, “You completed your marriage.” That’s still how it feels today, now that more than 11 years have passed since we separated. But is that the only possible purpose of a long-term relationship? Must we always be in a relationship where the main purpose is spiritual teaching? Not at all. ...
Source: Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Abundance Relationships Source Type: blogs