KENZOKU

Kenzoku is a Japanese term which means family.  It suggests a bond between individuals.  It implies the presence of the deepest connection of friendship.  Many of us go through life without ever really feeling a true connection to others.  Maybe, it's because if we truly open up and allow our soul to connect to another it will expose our vulnerabilities.  Maybe it's just good old fashion fear.  Whatever the reason, one thing for sure, most individuals will never experience a bond with another person.  When I refer to this deep rooted spiritual bond, I am not necessarily referring to family bonds.  Many individuals have family bonds.  Family bonds may or may not be of the Kenzoku type.  And, if I had to guess, I would say most family relationships are not Kenzoku.  I, on the other hand am blessed beyond belief because I have experienced Kenzoku with some members of my family and with  non-family members.  
 I recently had a discussion with my wife about a friend of mine which I have known for approximately 23 years.  We were discussing my friend and she told me that she can not believe how two individuals who are completely different can have such a deep spiritual connection.  I went on to explain to her that on the physical plane we are very different but, that spiritually were are one.  I never mention names in my articles but, this will be an exception.  I met my friend, Joe Mas approximately 23 years ago.  I was about a year or two out of law school and working for a law firm when we met.  He too is an attorney but at that time he had about 15 years of experience.  He is a short man of medium build.  At that time he had graying hair that through the years has turned white.  He is a soft spoken gentle person.  Maybe we connected immediately because he resembled in stature and manner my father who had passed about 10 years prior.  Maybe, he reminded me of an older brother.  Although I do have an older brother the same age as my friend, for some reason we never had a spiritual connection.  I love my older brother but it is more like I should love him because he is my biological brother.  One other factor regarding my friend is that he was born in Cuba, and I am a first generation Cuban.  I am not sure if all of the above descriptions contributed to my relationship to my friend but, what I can say is that he truly is not just my friend but my brother.  We are very different on the outside but spiritually we are connected.  Anything from physical appearance to political opinions we are on the opposite end of the spectrum but, the differences never mattered.  All I can say is that I am very fortunate to have a relationship with such a loving, kind person like him.  I would unequivocally do anything for him.  He is my true brother!
 I also have this deep Kenzoku relationship with my wife and two youngest daughters.  In the aforementioned conversation with her about my friend, I brought up my spiritual connection to her.  I told her not to take this the wrong way but that if she was physically not around, that my love and connection with her would still be alive and well.  Our love is deep from a spiritual perspective.  Some individuals tell their loved ones they love them but, they may not have what I am referring to.  In the normal sense they may have love but, what I am referring to is almost unexplainable with words.  In fact, words cheapen it.  The way I describe it is a heart felt energy that permeates your entire body and activates the soul.  Another way I describe it is that sometimes when I meditate deeply I get unexplained chills radiating through my body and leading to an out of body experience.  That is the type of love I have with my wife and my daughters.  Maybe, it is very special with my family and I because we are enlightened.  But, I do know that because we are enlightened, or spiritual, we are more receptive of the energy around us.  One thing for sure, these relationships are not just afforded to a few.  We all have these same experiences within.  However, most of us will not understand this because they are unaware of it.  We all came from the same place and we are all going back to the same place.  So, why can't we all have similar experiences when it comes to relationships?  The answer is pretty clear.  We can.  It's all within us! I leave you with a quote of my own.  "The most important relationship you will ever have is with your soul."
     Just a thought.
Previous
GUANTANAMERA
Next
ONION