The Comfort In Connection

In a troubled and disjointed world we often struggle with connectedness. Distraction destroys focus. Privacy isolates. Neglect frays links.

And yet we know that in order to play our part in society…to be a functioning and contributing human being…we need connection.

When understating and practice meet, guilt can often result. We know what’s expected but we have difficulty in delivering.

And when connectedness disappears direction and purpose become little more than hazy notions. Definition becomes difficult. A theory has little value until it is put to the test.

Disconnected people are more easily swayed by extremist concepts, ideas and politics. Those who believe in nothing can be readily convinced to believe in anything.

No man is an island. We all need community.

But to maintain connectedness we also need to enjoy freedom of expression. One without the other is destined to fail. An opinion is only as valuable as the debate it can prompt.

Before we can truly connect with our community, our peer group, our family, we must first connect with ourselves. And that can be – at the same time – the most important and most difficult connection for many people to make.

Before we can hope to know and understand other people, we must first know and understand ourselves. That’s essential because wherever we go that’s where we will be. We can hide from ourselves but situation and circumstance will inevitably result in an encounter. The ill-equipped or unprepared will hurt the most.

It’s a private and individual choice. We can take the time and make the effort to get to know who we are, how we have become who we are and what we plan to do with that person or sidestep the issue.

But the day will come. Heart and head connectedness with others is key to a full and fulfilling life. The starting point is to have that relationship with ourselves.