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It's Not What You Know; It's Who You Know


It's not what you know; it's who you know. I heard that my whole life and I have seen evidence of it in business and social networking. If you know someone personally that has entrée to a job, a internship for your child, a good school, a great home, donors, a good doctor, parties, events, … The list is endless and defined by what you might be trying to achieve for yourself or your family.

The ability to succeed in life is not just restricted by resources but by being isolated through socio-economic conditions from the kind of people who could help you achieve your goals. People with power and position help each other with introductions, recommendations, and perks.

People with spiritual power and position can help us expand our emotional and spiritual life in the same way.

Spiritual poverty and a feeling of lack is exacerbated by being isolated from the people who could help us make more of our spiritual life. That is why churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and sweat lodges exist. But they are not the only places to find other people who can support you spiritually. They are not the only places to spiritually network.

There are twelve-step support groups, fan groups, disease support groups, clubs, hikers, bikers, meditation groups, book clubs, political parties and volunteer work. Anyplace where people are gathered in a common cause and are focused on positive growth and upholding of values and beliefs.

A spiritual network can offer you all the things that social networking or business networking does--support, kinship, understanding, friendship, knowing you are not alone, appreciation, gratitude, and a way to expand your beliefs and level of peace and claim your place in the world.

My spiritual network includes friends, support group members, my minister, Buddha, Spock, Lawrence Block, John Lennon, Gloria Steinem, birds, trees, my husband, and that burbling inner voice. What is important is I feel spiritually peaceful and balanced. A residual effect is best. There are many things that are enjoyable during, but I don't feel the joy or peace an hour or a day later. Each of the writers, masters, musicians, philosophers, and heroes I listen to helps me to recharge. And that is where my spiritual network lies. Where is yours?

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