I walk in a world with others. This is not something I can change. I am indeed bound, bound at the very least by language, to those from whom I learned it. I am bound to all those in my life’s experience. Bound to those I haven't seen in years. Bound to those I saw this morning. As I walk through life, I decide by which kind of bonds I am bound.

I am bound to those I hate, by cords I label as my reasons for hating them. I am bound to those I resent, by the thoughts and feelings I use to resent them. I am bound to those toward whom I feel hurt, by the ever-present evidence of my victimhood at their hands. I am bound to those whom I fear, by the continuous plans I make to win. These are bonds that tie me to pain.

I am bound to those I love, by the peaceful thoughts and feelings I have toward them. I am bound to those I appreciate, by my feelings of gratitude. I am bound to those with whom I work well, by my choosing to trust, and seeking to be trusted. These are bonds that give me joy and leave me at peace. These are bonds that allow me to be free…

Indicators:

I show an understanding of the meaning of “healthy relationships.”
I desire to establish good, healthy relationships generally.
I understand when it is that I use others as “vehicles” and am trying to cease doing so.
I understand when it is that I see others as “obstacles” and am trying to cease doing so.
I understand when it is that I see others as “irrelevancies” and am trying to cease doing so.
I demonstrate trust in other’s humanity.

Freeing Bonds (Petro-Person)

The interlocked (as if swirling together) lines represent treaty, friendship, and relationship. Form your hands in to cups, then lock your hands together in front of your chest. This is the same sign in the sign language of some tribes. The figure itself is a beetle with no arms. Sometimes we all struggles with relationships. We have to do work to keep relationships healthy.