Excerpted from the NY Times article: http://nyti.ms/2e8y2x1
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you relate to the distinction between I-It and I-Thou moments? Can you share a personal story of an I-Thou moment in your life? What helps you become aware of whether you are in an I-Thou moment or an I-It moment?
I-Thou moments are most precious with others (for me) when we sense, feel, think and imagine, collectively. These same moments occur for me more frequently however in the natural environment, when I am alone with nature. I can only imagine how our world would be today if we didn't consider the non-human, natural world as an 'It.'
What came to mind whilst reading this piece were the hours immediately following my daughter's birth. I felt such intensity of connectedness with her. In fact saying I 'felt' it isn't the word. I 'was' it! It lasted for several hours at a high level of awareness and extreme intensity and joy which expanded to include everyone and everything that had ever existed.
I have experienced this feeling at other times but for much shorter periods.
Thank you for this insight as now (41 years later) our relationship is struggling and we are considering attending relationship counselling to help heal a rift that has sat between us for over 4 years. Not easy as she lives in Australia and I live in UK. I shall take the I-Thou insight with me.
With Love and Gratitude.
Barbara x
Life is a web of relationships. Some are I-It relationships. They are utilitarian,pragmatic and self-serving. Such relationships are shallow leaving no nourishing deep roots of memory in our mind. I have had such relationships leaving no worth- remembering deep traces behind.
I cherish I-Thou relationships. It is a relationship between two genuine and deeply caring beings. It has openness, trust, and compassion. I have been blessed to have such deep relationships with my parents, family members, a few friends and my soul mate. Such relationships have made me a whole and wholesome person. Such relationships have been blessings to me and I am deeply grateful for such blessings.
May we keep our mind and heart open to cultivate such I-Thou relationships!
Namaste.
Jagdish P Dave