Friends!

Friends! What a simple, yet complicated word! The Webster dictionary defines it as "One attached to another by affection or esteem"; and Wikipedia describes it as "Two or more people who are in a mutually pleasing relationship engendering a sentiment of camaraderie".

But, do these convey the real meaning and depth of friendship?

Friend and friendship, in my opinion, are such complicated, multi-leveled, beautiful, and divine terms that it is really hard to describe them by stitching together a series of words!
Friends are those who no matter how long or how far they are apart from each other, as soon as they are united, they pick it up from where they left off. They share their joys and laughter, tears and sorrows; they cheer each other on the way to success, and are there for one another at times of setback. They inspire and lend a hand to one another. They accept each other for what they are with all their strengths and shortcomings.

But, what is this bond made of that can survive the passage of time and distance? What is this mystical relationship that makes one "Give Head" over it, as Shams did for Rumi! Is it because of a mere likeness of physical experiences or backgrounds? Or due to harmonious brain waves? Or is it something beyond all these, something quite spiritual?
What is that sense, that vibe, that energy that one gets when one meets a "friend" for the first time? Those who believe in reincarnation of souls explain that souls that used to live together in one life time tend to reincarnate together. That's why two people like (or dislike) each other at the first encounter, because at a subconscious level they know each other from another time and place!

Obviously, everyone has a spectrum of friends; those closer to the center are those that we trust or endear more. It is amazing that some new friends, regardless of their age, race, or gender, end up in the middle of the spectrum right away. Again what is the root cause of this intuitive selection?

This whole subject is really fascinating. It is difficult to verbalize the source of this selection, or the nature of this bond. And after all, it really doesn't matter. Let's just be grateful for having this amazing ability to bond with one another as human beings and for being able to experience such a profound emotional relationship.

I am thankful to have a marvelous group of people as my friends. You are in my thoughts, always.

To you my friend, wherever you are, Cheers!