What teachers and friends have you chosen?

Friends have come from unexpected places for me.

Andy & I met a couple through our work on a local dog park. We were (the four of us) the only ones who turned out for some trail building work. They were about our age, very different politically and religiously (they are born-again Christians and from Oklahoma and Texas so rather conservative), but we became fast friends.

I also met someone here on Fluther that I have formed a friendship with. We can talk about anything together. Even though the time we have actually spent in one another’s presence is short, I feel very close to her.

As to teachers, they have appeared in my life when I needed them, and then I have moved on when I didn’t. I am grateful to them for their wisdom and caring.

love ya too!

Found plenty of teachers in my life. As for actual teachers (as in licensed) I have found many there too who have helped clarify things for me in life. Who have taught me more about life than just what books say. People who I felt I actually had a soul connection too.
I really don’t have to many friends but I have a great deal of teachers all through my life.

I used to work with quite a few Indigenous people and there were a number who taught me to look at things differently. I remember an old man I have huge respect for asking me where I was from, and I started talking about where I lived, and he said ‘no, where are you from, where is your country?’ and it really made me think about my roots, where I ‘come from’ and all that means in terms of who I am now. My spiritual connections.

My father was one of my greatest teachers and my friends, and my children. I am their mother, but also their friend and I learn from them every day. they keep me very grounded and laughing at myself. My husband teaches me about life and calmness and just being okay with yourself.

I learn from my students too. Some have become such great friends over the years and I still get emails and hear from them. You know when you hear about one of them being mugged, and battling with cancer and dealing with so many things in their life, but they are determined to keep going. So many of them that I have ended up keeping in touch with.

Or the old man I used to know who visited a pub where I bought lunch every day. We would talk every single day about what was happening and he told me stories about his life. Or the old Indigenous man who became a friend when I was studying and took me on a guided tour of our metropolitan art gallery. I wanted him to tell me all about the Indigenous paintings. He wanted to tell me all about the Monets etc. It was one of my most fascinating trips to an art gallery.

@Bellatrix I really love your answer!!

I’ve met friends and teachers on Fluther, that’s for sure. I enjoy all types of people as friends—My youngest friend is 9 and my oldest friend is in her 80’s. I have friends with PhD’s and I’m friends with an adult who reads at the 2nd grade level. I’m friends with a priest and a convict. Friends to me are people who are real and capable of introspection, regardless of demographic.

There’s another Buddhist quote: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I have found that to be true many, many times. My teachers have come in many forms and roles—sometimes my teachers are my own students and sometimes they are my enemies. Sometimes my teacher is an experience or a situation. Several discussions on Fluther became my teachers and one jelly in particular has taught me so much.

I love friends and teachers!!

The question was sparked by a discussion with @thorrninmud who is one of my Fluther friends and teachers. I am also making new friends since my separation with people in my walking group, particularly the organizer whose great kindness I value so much.

A co worker of mine when I was about to go through my divorce, she taught me how to get by on next to no money, how to haggle, how to budget and how to not be intimidated out of getting what I want. After a few years with her, I was sure I could survive just about anywhere.