Last week we asked you to look at what helps you to feel connected with the people around you, and we hope you started to get a description in your mind of what connection means to you. After all, if the researchers are on track it seems like connection may well be the topic (and the answer) of our times. For time immemorial humans have wondered: “Why am I here?”
Over and over again in philosophy, in times of stress and duress, and definitely in every existential crisis we find ourselves in, some variation of that question arises.
Imagine if we could all be in on the secret: You are here to connect.
Now whether that resonates with you or not is another question entirely, but for a moment, let’s pretend it’s true. Now place that answer (I am here to connect) over any doubt, turmoil or drama you are running in your life right now. Do you feel a lessening of the tension?
Perhaps just whispering the word: reconnection in your mind might bring you back to a space of peace.
If we are willing to play with the idea that we are here to connect, then we want to have a look at the opposite: disconnection.
Disconnection is “the state of being isolated or detached” and if recent world events are anything to go by, then this state is diabolical to the human psyche. When we are disconnected we are vulnerable, afraid and desperate to shift out of the discomfort.
In the podcast this week we will talk about the detrimental effects of being disconnected, but for now we would love you to get a good sense of what it feels for YOU when you are disconnected.
Where do you hold it in your body? Is there tension in your shoulders or do you get into a protective posture?
What thoughts come up? Do you think you aren’t good enough, or do you “do" anger or fear?
We know that disconnection messes with our “hard-wiring” in that some primitive pathways will be stimulated in our desire to be part of a herd. As such, there are times when we will do most anything to be back in the gang even if the gang isn’t moving in the direction of our dreams.
So this week we would love you to have a good look at your gang.
Who are the people you are spending the most time with, and what are they like?
What attracted you to them in the first place, and how does being with them elevate your self esteem, your thoughts and yes, even your dreams?
They say “your vibe attracts your tribe’, and the reverse is also true: your tribe creates your vibe.
How are your vibes?