Audio version read by Rev. Steven Lane Taylor, B.Msc.
“Improving Relationships with Others”

How a person interacts with others is often and undeniably a key factor in whether their life is succeeding or failing. Through decades of observing and counseling people, I have come to realize that it is not necessarily how bright one may be intellectually that assures success, but how one gets along with others. In a corporate atmosphere, this is often referred to as being a team player.

At times, this may present a dilemma for a spiritual and idealistic person, as what may often be good for a corporation may not be beneficial for the general public or consumer. Thus, one’s spiritual conscience—or God’s Presence—may rebel.

There is often a fine line between getting along and the inner need to do what you feel God is directing you to do, such as what you feel is right. Such decisions are not confined to those in the boardroom, but sift down to all levels of the workforce.

This is not restricted to one’s vocation, either, but may also find its way into social and family relationships. Indeed, wherever a relationship with one or more people exists, one may face challenges to maintain peace and harmony, while attempting to improve the relationship. Idealistically, we try not to go against our conscience—or the quiet whisperings of God within us— while simultaneously continuing to improve a relationship.

Often it is a matter of timing—knowing when or when not to say something. Sometimes it is not necessarily what you say, but how you say it. With a misspoken word, a longstanding relationship—even one of many years—can be jeopardized.

People are often sensitive to either positive or negative energy. Therefore, your interaction with them should be handled with the gentlest of care. On occasion, a person may cross your life’s path who will not reject you no matter what is said. As you know, however, this is the exception rather than the rule.

The spiritually aware person has a decided advantage in improving relationships with others through the techniques described here. As always, the main point is to get our personal ego-self out of the way, as the personal ego-self is usually that part of our nature that gets defensive and negative in its interactions with others.

Also requiring consideration is the need to choose wisely which individuals or groups of people with whom you desire to associate. Much grief can be avoided if you do not allow the “wrong” individuals or groups to become a part of your life. Conversely, much happiness can be gained in relationships with others if God is directing you in your choice of whom to let into your life.

Meditation allows you to be aware and sensitive to God and other people. The sensitivity you have to God’s mind within your own provides you with intuitive divine direction in choosing the right people with whom to associate, and how to interact positively with your choices.

Every time you enter meditation, you are improving your chances for bettering a relationship. The reason is that you are more divinely guided in what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. In essence, the more you open your mind to God, the more God’s mind opens you to the minds of others. The more open the minds of others are to you, the greater the opportunity to improve a relationship.

A daily practice of meditation brings you to a soul level of your own consciousness, which makes you more sensitive to the soul level of others. The soul level of the mind is that level where the soul’s purpose for this lifetime is known. By being sensitive to the soul level of others, you are sensitive to the soul’s purpose in others. The soul’s purpose of every individual fosters certain longings or needs that they come into this life to fulfill. By sensing the longings and needs of a person’s soul level of mind, you can better interact with them because you sense what you can say or do that could bring them the greatest happiness and fulfillment.

Difficulty can be defined as negative or disagreeable energy between you and another. Praying for the good of those with whom you are having difficulty sends out positive telepathic energy to them. It does not matter whether they are consciously aware of your praying for them or not, for telepathically your prayers for good are registered in their unconscious mind. By praying, you invoke the presence of God to improve in some way your relationship with them. The presence of God, which is within you, is the same presence of God that is within them. Thus, as you pray to the presence of God within yourself for their good, you are praying to the same presence of God within them.

Prayer is an effective energy and energy stimulant to bring about improvement between two souls inwardly, and therefore two souls outwardly. Keep in mind that when you are having difficulty with anyone, always pray for their good. In actuality, the more you pray for the good of others, the more good you receive in return.

The Bible suggests, “Be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove.” In improving relationships with others, this connotes having the insight to interact positively, and to do so in a kind and easy manner. There are times when firmness and raising of one’s voice for emphasis is necessary to make a point. This is all right if it is implemented without the energy of anger or defensiveness. When done for a positive effect, it can improve a relationship, for the recipient intuitively knows it is utilized for their good.

The majority of the time, however, it is far better to use a combination of insight and gentleness in interactions with others. This makes those rare times when you do use firmness more effective, as the other person knows that you truly feel strongly about the idea you are conveying.

When God is speaking through someone, the person intuitively senses and knows that it is not their personal ego that is communicating. The words are too right, the timing and delivery too perfect, the love and understanding too correct. Stepping back in your own mind and letting God’s Universal Mind and Spirit take over is the wisest thing you can do to improve a relationship.

Dr. Paul Leon Masters

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