Yesterday I witnessed firsthand a profound example of (what may have been) karmic payback. However, because it regards two friends I am not at liberty to disclose details. Suffice it to say that their 25-plus-year conflict may have karmic implications which, yesterday, may have caused great challenge for one of the individuals (in front of a plethora of people – who were immediately and directly affected).
As they both may read this blog, and as I hold GREAT respect for both individuals, I must emphasize that as I am not a party to the conflict between, I remain Switzerland (neutral) with regard to an opinion. However, with that said, I will say that I wish there was a way to resolve the issues between – for many reasons. First, as both parties would consciously and subconsciously benefit from resolution. Secondly, as I – and many others – enjoy the product of their collaboration. Yet, unfortunately, the damage has already been done such that there seems to be no turning back the hands of time with regards to words spoken and actions taken.
In sum, it comes down to a couple steadfast cliches …
Cliché 1: We interact with others for a reason, a season, or a lifetime …
In other words, we learn lessons through association. Association with people, objects and/or events. Mastery of fundamental and advanced (i.e., energetically subtle) lessons through interaction with people require varied quantities of time to learn. Some lessons may be learned quickly, some take a sustained period of time, and some lessons may take a lifetime to learn. Since the purpose of our association with other people is to learn, and since the time it takes to learn lessons varies, the times of association with others varies. Hence some people are in our lives for a very short period of time. At the other extreme, some people may be in our lives for an entire lifetime (or, perhaps, lifetimes). The association of my friends lasted 25 years. The question is – what did each of my friends learn through the speed bumps faced during their association? Could the eventual demise of their productive relationship have been avoided? Could anything have been done to shift this from a seasonal association to a lifetime association?j Or, perhaps, could they have learned lessons from one another in a very short period of time (90 days) and walked away … or walked on together in relative peace and harmony? This is relatively unimportant. What is important is whether or not they mastered lessons that they were supposed to master through their interpersonal association.
Interestingly, karma brought my friends together – so they could learn via association with one another. And, when lessons aren’t mastered, karma may increase … and … kaboom … s— happens. Not unlike the occurrence that happened yesterday … again, in front of many many people … directly affecting each person directly and immediately. Perhaps what manifested wasn’t karma … yet again, perhaps it was. In the words of my greatest teacher … “who knows?” I’m not saying that one fellow hurt the other such that karma nailed the former fellow. It takes two to tango. Yet I’m also not saying that such an outcome wasn’t the product of karma — as it seemed quite possible that this might be the case.
The two friends, whom I have known for 20 years, comprised two-thirds and, later, one-half, of two of the greatest “creative groupings of people” that I have known firsthand. They created timeless, enduring creations together. Their creations made thousands of people very happy over a 25-year span. Yet, even knowing this, they couldn’t work out their differences. And now attorneys and accountants are involved to bring tangible resolution to a situation that – perhaps – proactive intangible effort could have precluded. In other words, perhaps their association could have been for a lifetime, rather than a long season. Although, again, perhaps not … as perhaps the demise of their association was part of the learning curve that they originally subconsciously signed up for. Conversely, perhaps their association was subconsciously intended to help them learn lessons that could have been mastered in a very short period of time, perhaps as few as 90 days (see the blog regarding the 90-Day Rule). Who knows? Perhaps their association lasted 25 years too many. Although likely not, as the creative outcome of their association benefited many people throughout the country. They performed high service together as a unit. I was chatting with one of the fellas a few weeks ago. He said that soon after meeting the other fella, at a tender age, he quickly sensed that the other guy pushed his buttons – he recognized that their association was challenging. I’m glad he didn’t run away when he first realized this – as the fruit of their 25-year connection never would have graced the planet. And they wouldn’t have learned what they learned. Yet now the parties suffer a bit … My prayer is that they somehow master the lessons that brought them together, so they may walk on in peace and enhanced evolution.
Cliché 2: Our greatest nemesis is our greatest teacher …
The individual who presents greatest challenge holds the key to an important lesson. The lesson may be one of discernment – to appropriately run away asap (such as in a case of physical and/or emotional abuse). Or the lesson may force us to dive deeply into our fears … Whatever the case, s/he who challenges us bears a gift …
Cliche 3: Payback’s “a bitch” (sorry to share this quotation … yet this phrase is frequently heard in pop culture)
My guess is that each of us – without exception – have had thoughts, said words, or taken actions that have, in some subtle or not-so-subtle manner, adversely affected another. Did you experience karmic payback? Big fun, eh? Not.
Karma is not punishment. Rather, it is a guiding hand …
Andrew
