The Meaning of Friends

Think about what friendship means to you, what you value most in a friend, and what you would most like to offer others as a friend. Are there qualities of trust, candor, fairness, or humor that stand out as being most important to you? What kind of person would you be able to turn to if you were in need? What does it mean to you to feel "at home" with someone? What would you like others to value in you as their friend?

Sometimes we are afraid to contemplate an action if it seems we will have to do it all alone; but if we can count on the presence of even one friend, there is less fear. This is the meaning of solidarity and the power of community. If we keep "wise company," as the Buddha said, and have good friends, we have one of the greatest resources for happiness and freedom.

- Sharon Salzberg