Good Company
“Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.” ― Edmund Lee
This summer I have spent some time collecting treasures. I am filling up a box with tools that I can use when I am overwhelmed and need a helping hand. I have some rocks engraved with inspirational words: courage, hope, dream, imagine. I keep a small journal to write my good memories from the day. Sea shells from the beach. My favorite essential oil blend of vetiver, sweet orange and clove. And some photos of good company.
Above all, it is the good company that keeps me moving forward in life, that reminds me there is a light at the end of the tunnel and after every storm, the waters will calm down.
While it is important to find solace within yourself and enjoy the silence and stillness, it is rare for humans to live alone in solitude for a great length of time. The energy around us has a direct impact on our well-being. If you walk into a heavy argument, you may feel a hightend state of arousal, tightening of muscles and a higher heart rate. If you walk into a room where a baby is sleeping, you may be embraced with quite peace, relaxing your physical and mental state.
And so, it is important to choose the company around you in your personal everyday activities. The people who make your feel positive. Who do not judge you. Who give you authentic advice - even when it is not what you want to hear at that moment. Who celebrate the good times with you and are there to give you a hug when you did not even know that you needed one. When I leave my good company, my heart is clear, open, warm, and full of pure love. I feel grounded. Vitalized. Ready to see forward.
"Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than to be in bad company." – Booker T. Washington
The Indian philosopher Shantanand Saraswati described “good company” as the Satsang. In Sanskrit, this word literally means “true company” (sat = true, sanga = company). Saraswati explained that “through the scriptures, and through ‘Satsang’ (good company), can people be brought back to the simple way of life, and then they will see for themselves that there is no reason for confusion, fear or pain.” The value of people – good people – in our lives is immeasurable, so powerful that it will overcome suffering. Looking for superpowers? A guide to happiness? Or treasure to shine light into your life? Build an army of people around you.
"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best." - Epictetus
When I am in the midst of high tide, I pull out my tool box, my first aid kit, my treasure chest. And do not hesitate to pull out my phone and contact my good company.
