We get asked: “How do I become a Friend of The HoBB?”

There’s only one answer, ‘be friendly’.

On one occasion, my reply didn’t satisfy somebody who thought we should have some involved annual membership scheme with cards, newsletters and shopping discount deals. Perhaps he was head of a marketing company that put these packages together but whatever, I repeated it was THAT simple and sent him the following note, hoping that one day he’d wise up and answer the question himself, that way, getting the only true answer there is.

“When your friends say to you “Stay in touch”, think it through in two ways:

Firstly, if your Heart Centre does not want to ‘keep in touch’ with the friend, let the friendship move on and take their words to mean “remain ‘in-touch’ with self and environment” – like a wonderful (fare well?) wish for your best future. Only at primary school are harsh words said, face to face, for example, “You’re not my best friend this week”. Most adults are nowhere near as straight forward, and tend to prefer fully fledged break-ups or drift-aparts rather than part-time ones ‘on hold’.

And secondly, if your inner awareness tells you that you need the connection with that friend, or vice versa, let the friend know, and keep the friendship moving wherever it goes and make sure you do remain in touch by ‘being there’ when required. It is often said that true friends may not contact each other for many years yet they are able to pick up the phone and speak as if no time had passed – this is true.

In primary school, the question, “Will you be my friend?” is not uncommon, but adults rarely use this straight forward approach to gaining friends. If one adult asks another, “How many friends have you?” , it seems straight forward but it is usually said reflectively, meaning “How many true or good friends do you have?” rather than work colleagues or acquaintances.

‘Good Friends and True’. The truth as to whether someone is a ‘Friend’ can only be told in the telling, and there’s no telling whether someone is a friend until they are a friend – a friend in deed.”

I didn’t get a reply. He is probably a “Friend of the National Portrait Gallery” or a natural history museum. Such friendship comes at a price. I am sure he didn’t understand my reply.  Anyway, his lack of understanding or belief prompted me to write this blog.

If you want to become a “Friend”, ask not for the recipe, write your own and send it to us.

Waves ~~~~~~~~~ <+))))))))>< ~~~ Grant