The best right speech is a friend validating and really hearing something I'm working with. Yesterday, after a very funny Swedish movie, my friend and I had dinner together and that feeling of comfort and ease rushed over me. I trust her. I value her opinions. I listen to her "take" on whatever I'm discussing. She has been so supportive about my ceasing a Buddhist study group, and I really appreciate it because the decision was hard and groups can become like unaware families, harmful without consciousness. Since she asks, I also realize I'm still grieving a bit for the loss of the way it once was and no longer is. But ironically, her empathy also makes me more aware of not having that genuine listening in the group. The "story" took over instead of a fresh look.
I love her so much just hearing her laugh during the movie was wonderful. Her joy my joy. I'm always willing to go out on a limb with her about films. She has good taste and an unerring ability to find a film hidden from public view. And she's totally convinced me about Swedish films. They range from delightful to profound and give me a peek into another culture.
She's one of my treasures. Without these dear friends, I cannot imagine my life. They speak truth, and listen, and care.
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