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Connection
Last weekend I went to a Thai Massage, Yin Yoga and Sound Healing class. The teachers asked us for our name and a word for the evening. As people went around the circle, the word connection came to me as my intention. I wanted connection for all of its meaning. Connection of my mind, body and spirit
Connection to the Divine
Connection to my higher self
Connection of my cells to one another to feel well
Connection to others in the class to feel community
Connection to my inner guidance
Connection to the healing sound waves of the crystal bowls
Connection to the teacher's words
Connection to my breath
Connection to peace
I could continue on, but I am sure you can think of a few of your own. I am struck by how as humans we crave connection in so many ways and yet struggle to connect. As I type on my laptop, both of my daughters are on separate devices having their "screen" time. Yes, I let them have screen time, but I often wonder how they will connect when they think it is normal to watch someone play with toys and make slime on YouTube. I think this is our challenge in today's modern world. To turn off the technology, tune into each other, talk, laugh, share and connect.
We have a no technology rule for dinner time which means no TV, no phones and everyone sits down together. We start usually with our favorite experience of the day or something we are grateful for and then we catch up. I want more of that. I think so many of us crave more of it but also fear being vulnerable.
I read an article a few years ago about how sobriety isn't the opposite of addiction, it's actually connection. I think of all of our addictions- to food, alcohol, drugs, painkillers, shopping, gambling, and technology. I know my pattern is to eat a cookie when I feel disconnected, one because I was programmed that when I felt bad, sugar would make me feel better and two because it releases chemicals that feel like happy connection ones into my brain and three because it has a grounding effect on me which is comforting. I am working to break that pattern and choose to call a friend or write or play a game with my girls now more often than I eat the cooke. Doesn't mean that I don't want the quick fix, but I also know, it is only a temporary fix. True connection doesn't come from something we put in our bodies or buy. It comes from being vulnerable, reaching out and sharing life with others.
How are you creating connection? Where do you feel a lack of connection?
