A blessing for connection
It's not always easy, but consciously seeking out, and creating healthy, life-giving connection is soul nourishment at it's best.
Many years ago, I began hearing about the power of connection in our lives. And in recent years, of course, research in the field of positive psychology has shown that connection and community, above all else, fosters thriving.
The research made me uneasy - I wasn’t sure I could bridge the gap between my natural response to protect myself from humans to trust, openness, and vulnerability. I actually didn’t know if I wanted to bridge the gap.
For much of my life, I resigned myself to being a lone wolf.
Because let’s face it, if you’ve experienced childhood adverse events or other types of relational trauma, this is reasonable. Perhaps you, as I have, tend to hold yourself apart. Perhaps you don’t readily trust others. Or maybe, you simply protect yourself to the point where you feel alone, even in a room full of family and friends.
The path of isolation is lonely.
My experience is that too many women walk around feeling alone: alone in the work, alone in their questions, alone in the joy and sorrow of their humanity.
I don't believe this is a personal failing or something that is "wrong" with women -- As I said, I believe relational wounding is at play for many. This is exacerbated through a society that celebrates competition, self-reliance, and individuality above all else. Those are good qualities until they aren't, right?
There are many facets of connection.
I spent many years learning to stay present with (and connected to) myself through spiritual practice. That naturally led me to a connection with the divine and the vast love of more than human nature. My final frontier was (and continues to be) tenderly stepping into vulnerable connection with people. There were fumbles when I trusted the wrong people and spectacular successes as I connected with people who embraced me.
Everyone deserves to know that they belong.
To know the kind of connection that is soul-nourishing. To be seen and loved and celebrated by beloved others. To have people with which vulnerability is a given and received like a gift.
I believe we all benefit from more connection.
No matter where you find yourself in terms of connection, my deepest wish is that you reach out and make (or deepen) connections with nature, the Self, the Divine, and other humans who can and will love you the way you are.
I believe you know, just by surveying the landscape of your life, what avenue of connection you are longing to create or strengthen. So perhaps now is the moment, your moment, to consciously choose in favor of connection.
You are invited.
In whatever realm you find yourself needing more connection -- be it rooting into practices of presence and love of yourself, leaning into a relationship with the mystical and unseen, or being received and seen by others, may you find open arms in the healing energy of connection.
Tell me everything - is there an avenue of connection you would like to grow or strengthen in the coming weeks and months? I’d love to hear about it.
PS: I have two openings for coaching relationships in the New Year. If you would like transformational coaching, thought partnership, and energetic support to grow and prosper in your work and life, schedule a chat to see if we are a good fit!
Ooof. This is the first time I've read anything celebrating connection that felt like it mirrored exactly where I am.
I've been focusing on my connection to myself for the last several years...and as that connection has deepened, my connection to the divine has as well. Now I'm getting messages to look to outward connection - aka community. And I feel such resistance.
Thank you for this blessing. 💜