Relationship Problems

The psychological problems we have in a relationship are the shadow side of our spiritual potential. There is no clear division between the psychological and the spiritual, only a distinction.

Here is a fascinating chart that shows the connection between the personal and spiritual sides of our psyches and between our personal and transpersonal partnerships, too. If you are having a problem in a relationship, what is the spiritual longing behind it? Find out here:

Psychological Problem = Spiritual Potential:
The Symptom = What Is Ready to Happen

Fear of abandonment = Facing the wilderness within

Fear of engulfment = Surrendering to a higher power

Self-centeredness = Opening to the spiritual Self

Refusal to do inner work = Opening to one’s calling

Retaliating = Self-forgiveness

Arrogant ego = Readiness for humility

Addiction = Search for spirit, readiness to receive

Jealousy = Ready for sufficiency of grace

Infidelity = Search for the anima/animus

Rigid boundaries = Protection of the inner world

Loose boundaries = Openness to grace and unity

Read more: Spirit, Inspiration

Adapted from How to Be An Adult in Relationships, by David Richo (Shambhala, 2002). Copyright (c) 2002 by David Richo. Reprinted by permission of Shambhala.
Adapted from How to Be An Adult in Relationships, by David Richo (Shambhala, 2002).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Victor M.

1:22PM PDT on Mar 16, 2012

tolerance

send a green star

Jane B.

7:05PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

I gave up relationships too. Relationships just don't work for any length of time (Newt Gingrich) and the woman usually does more "giving" than the man (while he's out banging some whore: quote from Almighty God's Holy Sacred BuyBull) and the man dumps her when she gets sick.
For women, relationships just aren't worth it.

Chad A.

2:48AM PST on Dec 28, 2011

Some of this feels like it was written just for me! I need to do some relationship work and this looks like a creative and insightful support.

KS G.

4:53AM PST on Nov 29, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Michele W.

11:56AM PDT on Aug 22, 2011

Thank you

10:48PM PDT on May 23, 2011

I gave up relationships last time I got free of one.

I am so much happier! Think I'll leave it this way.