Connection

 

Back in December, I told you that Listening was one of my favorite words.

Well, Connection is another one of those words for me. In fact, Listening and Connection — which I see as going hand in hand — are foundational to the way I aspire to live my life. And to how I give back to the world.

I’m not alone in centering my life around connection, though. Scholars in psychology, sociology, and the other social sciences pretty much agree that we humans are built for connection. It’s in our DNA.

Mostly what they’re talking about is connecting with other humans — feeling loved, supported, seen and heard and understood, but also expressing those things toward others. (Research shows, for example, that helping other people boosts our mood and sense of well-being.)

But this month as we explore Connection as our theme, we’ll be looking more broadly at the topic.

That is, we’ll consider three types of connection — connecting with ourselves, with other people, and with a “something bigger” which may look a bit different for different people but that nonetheless adds an extra sense of meaning and belonging to our lives.

In our 3-part journaling series this month, we’ll spend time with each of those types of connection, considering what we each need and how we can offer ourselves more of that. And by doing this in community — i.e., in connection with one another (whether you join us live or watch a replay) — the experience will be richer and deeper than if we were to contemplate this theme alone.

Connection is a big topic. Which is lovely, because it means that opportunities for this grounding, nourishing, soul-filling experience are everywhere.

As we explore the what, why, and how of Connection this month, we’ll only be scratching the surface. But that’s okay…

Because one of the important things I’ve learned about connection is that one meaningful experience of connection always seems to spark and nurture other types of connection.

When I take time to truly listen to and connect with myself, for instance, I find it opens me up to more meaningful and authentic connections with other people too. And it also opens my eyes to layers of meaning that are present all around me — offering me that bigger experience of connection as well.

But I’ve noticed it can happen in other ways too. Starting with a meaningful conversation, perhaps, or with a spiritual experience — either of which can then create ripples of connection for me — with myself, with others, and with multiple sources of meaning.

Connection is so big, and yet can be so simple. Come connect with us this month, and then watch for the beautiful ripple effects in your life…

Explore This Theme Inside Joybook

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