You just have to love the Dalai Lama. More and more now, I find myself turning to his teachings to bring me comfort and peace during my haitus on the East Coast.

How odd and serendipitous was it, then, when on the first day of my new job, I came across the following words of the Dalai Lama:

Everything that endures involves more than one.

‘Tis a very simple statement, but it packs an incredibly strong message. American culture prides itself on its independence and, even as children, we, its people, are taught to be independent, too. I think about self-help books or do-it-yourself home repairs, etc… Women, especially, were taught by second wave feminists not to need anybody, especially men, for anything. Think about the slogan from feminists involved in the first wave of the movement (also heard in a U2 song), “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.”

My point is that Americans strike me as very solitary and, often, lonely people.

Growing up in a semi-rural section of Ohio, people in my community always marveled at our Amish neighbors and their understanding of the Dalai Lama’s message. They have endured as a community because they think like a community. When one member of that community loses a barn or house due to a fire or other catastrophe, all the Amish men and women get together for the day and hold a “barn or house raising”. With each person working alongside others, they manage to accomplish feats which take mainstream Americans months to complete.

What might we be able to accomplish in this world if we suddenly decided to invite others into our lives and work together to accomplish our dreams and goals? What kind of enduring legacy might we leave behind?

The Dalai Lama’s words have resonated with me on another level, too. I think about my relationship with Justin and what an adjustment (though a very good one) it has been for me to let Justin into my world, to invite him to roll up his sleeves alongside me and get his hands dirty. Let me explain. I have been called “Superwoman” by my family and friends for years now because I have this uncanny ability to get many things done in a short period of time. I laugh about this nickname with them, but what I don’t share with them are the many sacrifices I have to make in order to get these things accomplished. What they don’t know is that this “Superwoman” is tired of being “Super”…she wants a sidekick…hm…make that partner…someone with whom to journey through life’s “kazams” and “pows”!

Growing up, you’d never hear me say the words “I need”. Along these lines, I also usually eschewed offers of help (unless I was at the end of my tether), thinking that in order to be considered “strong”, I had to prove that I could do things all by myself.

Thank GOODNESS I grew out of that way of thinking! I bring this up because this is yet another lesson I have learned from Justin - that it’s okay to say things like “I need”. What a relief because I really do need him!

My hunch is that very soon Justin and I will become more than just individuals, and I’m excited for the work we’ll do together to help this world of ours to expand and grow. I’m happy to hang up my cape and join hands and lives instead.

Hm….of course…if he *wants* a cape, then that’d be okay, too. (wink, wink, babe!)