It started with a simple offering. Her hand pointed to a big cushion next to hers on a wooden floor in the main workshop room at Esalen.
“You can sit here.” It was a gentle invitation which I gladly accepted. Later that evening, we chatted and laughed and shared stories.
The next morning, around 6:30 a.m., I heard a light knock on my cabin door. To my delight, it was Casilia inviting me to walk with her before breakfast. I quickly changed, and we were off to explore the land and find secret places overlooking the ocean.
Her presence relaxed my nervous system. We felt safe with each other- enough for us to share our personal stories of struggle and pain, as well as our deepest dreams. I compared this to other people who I’d known for years, but only in a shallow and superficial way. Simply because we were too afraid to break out of our shells.
In this case, mutual vulnerability allowed us to build trust quickly.
Five days were enough to solidify a lifelong friendship. We left that retreat feeling exfoliated and whole.
Cherish those who make you feel safe enough to be fully seen and completely yourself. This is true friendship.