A blessing for connection

A gentle reminder in the division you may feel - 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. In recent years, of course, research in positive psychology has shown that connection and community, above all else, foster thriving.

The research made me uneasy. I wasn’t sure I could bridge the gap between my natural response to protect myself from humans and the invitation to trust, open, and be vulnerable. I didn’t know if I wanted to bridge the gap.

I resigned myself to being a lone wolf for much of my life.

Because let’s face it, if you’ve experienced childhood adverse events or other types of relational trauma, this is reasonable. This also seems sensible in the face of our political and social landscape. Perhaps you, as I have, tend to hold yourself apart. Perhaps you don’t readily trust others. Or maybe you protect yourself to the point where you feel alone, even in a room full of family and friends.

The path of isolation is lonely.

I experience 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.

This is not a personal failing or something that is "wrong" with women -- I believe relational wounding is at play for many and is exacerbated in the current political climate. It is also amplified by 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 a 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 and support 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. To trust that connection is our way forward.

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 coaching relationships opening 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!