In Search of True Friendship (Free Event)

516 High Street,Bellingham WA 98225

18 May, 2023

Description

**This event is free and open to all. While hosted at the university, we hope to create a diverse space welcoming people from beyond just this campus, from all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. Why do so many of us feel like we are alone when we have so many more ways of connecting with others than ever before? Are we missing out on forming true friendships by failing to consider the spiritual impulse for those connections? It seems to be our instinct – and need – to be connected to others. But we also seem to have created increasingly fractured and isolating social structures that don’t actually require us to build those connections – much less with anyone who may look or think differently than we do. So how might recognizing our reality as spiritual beings, as all of us being part of one human family, help us understand where this instinct comes from – and what we need to fulfill it? How might it inform the types and qualities of relationships we look for – and who with? And beyond our individual relationships, what would it look like to reconfigure our communities to make finding and building connection easier for all of us? How can we create a culture of community that supports everyone in this search, that allows every individual to thrive not despite but with and because of the larger diversity of people around them? What are the spiritual principles and qualities we need to build and nurture these diverse, inclusive, and connected communities? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the deeper truths that unite us – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the search for true friendship. Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can build true community together. “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.” – Bahá’í Teachings *** Donations will not be accepted. -------------------------------------- Our location is: Western Washington University, 516 High St, Bellingham, WA 98225 - Viking Union Room 462. * For navigation devices use specific location names like "Parking Lot C" or "Viking Union" instead of the address. * Parking is free in Lot C after 4:30 pm (15 min walk), or you can pay $2/hour for Lot 6V (closer). Street parking is also available (limited). * Room 462 is located on the 4th floor of the Viking Union Building.