"I haven't failed, I can tell you 10,000 ways not to be in relationship." It is easy to see our relationships in terms of success or failure. But, what happens when we view relationships as opportunities to experience our challenges, learn our lessons, and meet our life purpose? By reframing the way we perceive relationships, we create more mindful, contemplative connections with our self, others, the sacred, and all of creation.

In A Constellation of Connections: Contemplative Relationships, Vanessa F. Hurst uses the image of the night sky to reframe the perception of failure vs. success to living with mindful connection. Using the image of the night sky, contemplatively experience your role in relationship. The night sky's inky darkness invites you to develop a practice of silence that enables navigation around distractions and increases awareness in the present moment. The stars are the sparks of compassion we share with our self and others. The connectors of our constellation are the deepest form of communication, communion. Through silence, compassion, and communion, we connect to others in with greater awareness and mindfulness. Our life becomes a constellation of contemplative relationships.