Theory and Practice

The Kabbalists of S’fat began their prayer with the following intention, which formed the foundation and measure for all practices:

For the sake of the union of The Blessed Holy One with the Shechina, I stand here, ready to take upon myself the mitzvah, “You shall love your fellow human being as yourself,” and by this merit may I open my mouth.

Our practice of Spirit Buddies is the concrete embodiment of this abstract intention. The daily practice of kindness, compassion, and service to each other helps to keep us from the dangers of inflation, isolation, delusion, and greediness. We check in with our own souls in the presence of a discerning friend. We can also dedicate the energy from our practice to our partners. This gesture of dedicating energy in service has the effect of opening our channels further for more and finer energy to flow.

Working with Spirit Buddies requires us to practice “presence.” This requires letting go of judgement, letting go of the need to “fix” our partner or offer solutions. We search beneath the layers of personality and invite the pure soul/essence of our partner to be revealed. Together, we create the safe and sacred space in which healing, self-realization and transformation can occur. It means “trusting the process.”

Spirit Buddies:

become anchors and grounding for one another
create the container for practice for each other
pray for each other
serve as windows for each other into the infinite divine expanse

Through our Spirit Buddies we are loved unconditionally by the “Great Love.”

Our Spirit Buddies listen with warm delighted attention, witness our dreams and commitments, take us seriously, and hold us accountable for our promises. In this relationship we experience “safe space” that makes possible the leap into the unknown. We see the strength, essence and potential of our Spirit Buddies and share our vision with them; sending them with confidence and joy to do the work before them.

May this mitzvah of love be fulfilled for the sake of the unification within ourselves, between us and through all the worlds.

Spirit Buddy Guidelines

Sacred Space = Safe Space

Create sacred space between you with a chant, meditation, blessing, or rhythm that moves you from mind-space to heart-space.

Listen to your Spirit Buddy with respect and openness, delighting in his or her uniqueness.

Encourage your Buddy to say what is in his or her heart.

Honor confidentiality.

Remember that you cannot judge and serve at the same time. Since we are here to serve one another, continue to let go of all judgement.

Don’t interrupt or give advice or try to fix things. Don’t say, “That reminds me of…” and then tell your own story.

Allow for silence to deepen between you.

Tune in to the breath of your Spirit Buddy.

Make sure each of you gets equal time for expression.

Before you go to sleep each night, pray for your Spirit Buddies. Your prayer can be as simple as visulaizing them shining with their particular and beautiful light, or calling on God, the Great Mystery to let the very best unfold for them for the period of time you are together.

Before the end of your time together, express your intention for deepening or expanding your spiritual practice (prayer, meditation, tikkun olam work, study, and so forth) inspired by what you’ve been doing.

Witness each other’s commitments.