TEN years ago, Buddhist teachers Michael Roach and Christie McNally, took vows never to separate, night or day. By “never part,” they did not mean only their hearts or spirits. They meant their bodies as well. And they gave themselves a range of about 15 feet. The celibate couple has a growing following of couples interested in strengthening their relationship, or people search for love, in the United States and abroad.
Discussion #4 — How would your relationship change if you had to live within 15 feet of your partner or spouse, for 10 years?
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#1 —
Alexia Parks(#2)
posted @ 2008-05-15T17:49:37+00:00
Like me, you may find that just *thinking* about this question is life-changing.
This story was described in today's New York Times (5/14). Even thinking about staying in close observation of one another for even 72-hours would be life-changing, I think. It would either make or break the relationship. In 2000, my book, An American GULAG, was published. It was an expose of behavior modification boarding schools in which so-called "rebellious teens" - as new arrivals - were required to stay within seven feet of their "mentor" for the first three months. They could not make eye contact with others and were required to speak through the mentor when speaking to others. This constant observation was enforced, without choice. Children emerging from these facilities suffered from post traumatic stress disorder and dissociative disorder - in which the true self remained hidden, and the compliant child took its place.
In loving relationships, I think it would be very much like a living seminar. I'm up for a 3-day camping trip in a 2-person tent ... but 10 years........ ???
Well my partner and I have been 3 years together almost 7/24 probably about 95% of our time in about that range. Quite by accident really. But celibate we are not. I think if you have the right sensitivity, common goals, values and activities, it just sort of happens. BTW, we just created an intention to be together without expectation. That seems to work.
She have to learn to run faster.
Hi Lester: Thanks for stopping long enough in your travels to check in. A friend recently described his relationship by saying "We've been unmarried for 24 years."
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Is that a 'good' thing or a 'bad' thing?
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Well, he acted like he was still "in love" after 24 years. Living a life without labels ... sort of like Lester's comment about "intention" without expectation.
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I'd be very happy with this arrangement. I know it sounds unusual, but I cannot get enough of my wife, she is my sanctuary and the best part of my day, even in the most difficult times between us, there is no other place I would rather be than with her.
i see - here is a great example of this in real life: http://surfwisefilm.com/