We then list all our healthy and loving relationships.

 

These healthy and loving relationships will indicate all our capacities to show up and be helpful and loving in the lives of others. In the original inventory, we listed our unhealthy sexual relations and saw the selfishness that caused others harm. With the emergence of a healthy lifestyle, we have the ability to connect with people in wonderful ways. Through seeing how we have participated in our healthy and loving relationships, we will gain clues as to what responsible partnership is all about and how to continue to engage this fulfilling and loving behavior.

 

We have identified four types of relationship that are important to look at.

 

Healthy relationships: These relationships will be characterized by healthy boundaries and ethical principles. These are acquaintances, friends, and coworkers who show respect and kindness toward one another. These relationships indicate how we show up in people's lives with compassion and integrity.

 

Deeply loving relationships: These relationships teach us everything we know about what true love is all about. This will include our family members and significant partners. All our loving relationships indicate our own preciousness and the way we respond to the worth intrinsic to those we love. In these relationships, we come to learn why we are lovable and what we do to share this love with others.

 

Relationships where boundaries were necessary: We have all known someone who  was challenging to be around. By looking at these relationships, we begin to understand the principles we practice which protect us from unnecessary harm. We discover our capacity to create firm boundaries which keeps us safe. These relationship indicate what is required to never be taken advantage of, or used.

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Healthy sexual relationships: It is important to take note of all the ways we have shared intimacy with others in a loving, compassionate manner. These relationships will be characterized by their level of honesty, consent, and willing reciprocity. If we have refused to share intimacy with others, for whatever reason, we then look to the principles we applied to maintain a healthy relationship with self.

 

What part did we play in these relationships? What assets did we apply to be compassionate, nurturing, and kind with others and self? 

 

Having compiled all this information about our evolving spiritual lives, we reflect on what we have just discovered. This inventory has the answers to who we are as active participants in our relationships and community as a whole. In order to have these truths continue to freely flow through us, we must claim this essence and admit to who we now see ourselves to truly be.