Thanks for sharing Kristin, I can totally relate to what you shared and I am inspired to read Shamati 7 . I too would like to join you in perceiving reality through a different lens or new set of eyes.
The Writings of Rabash, Vol 1, “What to Demand from the Assembly of Friends”
Concerning love of friends, which is founded on the basis of love for others, by which we can attain love of the Creator: it is contrary to what is generally accepted in love of friends. Meaning that concerning love of others: it does not mean that the friends will love me, but rather that I should love the friends.
This excerpt is so simple and direct to the heart of the teachings. By loving the friends I attain love of the Creator. No more, no less. The Creator is blessed as are we. How beautiful and complete.
Everything changes. I am not able to conceptualize the workings of this paradigm as this would move society into a place of unlimited potential. As awesome as this sounds my mind is unable to see how that would work in practice as I have only lived in a world of corruption with mere glimpses of love in practice.
To connect with others is to feel their desires and deficiencies as your own, to feel that together we are much more than the sum of our Individual parts. In connection with others a deep and primal emptiness is filled and our lives have direction (together towards the Creator) and purpose is revealed.