Connection and Joy

“These two beauties had been barn mates but were separated for a few months. This is was what happened when they saw each other at the horse park after their long absence from each other.”

Jenn Wang.

Unfortunately I do not have the back story as to why these beautiful horses were separated. Whatever it was they did not forget each other and their deep connection to each other. This I believe is what many people felt with the imposed isolation enforced on many of us, to lesser and stronger degrees, by respective governments around the globe with lockdowns, mandates and various other forms of control. Thankfully this is now dissipating. The level of disconnection is what many people are now redressing and recreating meaningful connections, with many saying: “never again”.  We realised the importance of community, of connection, and of relevance in who we are, how we relate and the value of engagement.

There was talk of ‘kindness’ from some leaders, and yet, what was sadly lacking was respect for others, enabling us to take responsibility for one’s actions and choices. The result?  Dissension and discrimination.

Critical thinking – which involves the ability to be discerning, think systemically and factually, to form one’s own opinions via vigorous analysis – was dismissed. There was also a distinct lack of valuing respectful and engaging dialogue, of honouring and listening to different perspectives to expand one’s “view”.

Across the globe, communities of like-minded people gathered to support each other, to listen and engage in what was truly important and meaningful, at both a personal, societal and universal level. That sense of community and connectedness continues to expand as people re-emerge from a dark cloud which  embroiled many.

There is a glimmer of light appearing, even if at times it can be seem ‘dim’, not fully lit.

It is essential to find and connect with one’s tribe.  People with whom you can fully ‘be you’. To share ideas with, and not judge or be judged. To be honoured and respected – even when they may not be in agreement. Learning is involved in meaningful connection. Knowing one’s truth is essential, and having the ability to hold the space for other’s truth.

Gabor Mate says:

“Our true nature is to be connected. In fact, if that wasn’t our true nature, there would be no human beings.”

He is renowned for his work in the field of addiction and trauma and his understanding of the role human connection plays in how we experience life.

So the questions are:

• How do we live the kinds of lives we want to live?

• How do we have maximum choice, to engage with our lives fully in an empowered way and not leave our bodies – and ourselves – behind?

These times now, are asking us to reflect on what are we willing to accept, or not accept. To know the answer to these questions requires one to know one’s internal landscape, which then enables us to connect deeply with others and also with issues that are important in a free and inclusive society. And to be discerning in one’s truth.

There is much to worry about in the world today – to complain about, and be concerned about – yet the joy and fulfilment of connecting with others and finding partnerships which enrich our lives and generate good in the world is possible . One has to look beyond the MSM narrative, the perceived boundaries and be open to transitions.

This is a time of aliveness, of holding onto hope, of venturing out and trying something different.

I happened on a wonderful book by Radha Agrawal, who is the founder of Daybreakers. They have been gathering people early in the morning in cities all over the world to dance together in an intergenerational, non-judgement-free environment since 2013. I must look out for a ‘gathering’ where I live – time to release comparison and judgement!

A creative young entrepreneur,  Radha’s book, Belong: Find Your People, Create Community and Live a More Connected Life, is a creative, interactive and joyous exploration of going IN and OUT. IN to self -discovery and OUT to find others who align with your aims and values.

This has been my journey the past four months, as I started this blog mid February and then found my tribe which filled my time and my heart.

 Journalling and Reflection:

• What would change in your own life with more connection, joy and creativity?
• What values are most attractive to you when it comes to building  community and connection with others?
• Where might you need to let go of judgement, be open to new insights and connections and aliveness?