Five questions on connection we don’t ask enough — from losing a parent to loneliness after the pandemic to what men rarely say out loud about vulnerability.
Thank you for being open to pondering it, Lisa Marie! I haven't written about it yet, but this conversation is definitely nudging me to 😊
From a Three Principles perspective, we're all expressions of the same universal Mind, so connection isn't something we create or lose, it's what we fundamentally ARE. Like waves thinking they're separate while being the same ocean.
What struck me about Andy's story is how beautifully his activities seem to quiet his mind enough to FEEL the connection that was always there. When he talks about the pandemic leaving him feeling distant even when he wasn't physically distant anymore... what if that 'distance' was never real? What if it was thought-created - a kind of perceptual fog that lifted when his state of mind shifted through activities he enjoyed?
It feels like such a hopeful distinction because it means the connection never actually left, it just got obscured. Like the sun is always there even when clouds cover it. And if that's true, connection is always available - not dependent on us doing everything right or maintaining perfect consistency. The difference in how this feels is like the difference between carrying the weight of "I must work hard to stay connected" versus the lightness of "Oh, I'm just caught in some foggy thinking right now - the connection is still here."
I'm definitely going to write about this soon. I'd love to hear what resonates for you when I do 🤗
Looking forward to reading this piece Elaine. And I totally get what you mean. We often forget that the sun is always there just sometimes hidden by the clouds.
Thanks for sharing your story Andy, it touched my heart. And sending blessings to you and your family. It's made me think more about connection in the online space and how to create more community.
Thanks Lisa - it's been scary to start putting words out there but the community here is proving to be a kind and supportive one, which is heartwarming. Thanks for taking the time to share my ramblings, it means a lot.
Connection becomes honest the moment we’re willing to sit with the questions that feel uncomfortable. I love how you bring us closer to that truth.
thank you Rhonda 🫶
The word nourishing really stood out to me. It's beautiful how you framed connection as essential for our health, growth, and well-being. 🙏
I'm so glad it made sense to you too - I really believe it's vital to keep us well. Thank you for commenting, I really appreciate it.
What if connecation is always there ..we just don’t see it?
That's an interesting point Elaine and something to ponder for sure. Have you written about this, if so, I'd love to read it 🤗
Thank you for being open to pondering it, Lisa Marie! I haven't written about it yet, but this conversation is definitely nudging me to 😊
From a Three Principles perspective, we're all expressions of the same universal Mind, so connection isn't something we create or lose, it's what we fundamentally ARE. Like waves thinking they're separate while being the same ocean.
What struck me about Andy's story is how beautifully his activities seem to quiet his mind enough to FEEL the connection that was always there. When he talks about the pandemic leaving him feeling distant even when he wasn't physically distant anymore... what if that 'distance' was never real? What if it was thought-created - a kind of perceptual fog that lifted when his state of mind shifted through activities he enjoyed?
It feels like such a hopeful distinction because it means the connection never actually left, it just got obscured. Like the sun is always there even when clouds cover it. And if that's true, connection is always available - not dependent on us doing everything right or maintaining perfect consistency. The difference in how this feels is like the difference between carrying the weight of "I must work hard to stay connected" versus the lightness of "Oh, I'm just caught in some foggy thinking right now - the connection is still here."
I'm definitely going to write about this soon. I'd love to hear what resonates for you when I do 🤗
Looking forward to reading this piece Elaine. And I totally get what you mean. We often forget that the sun is always there just sometimes hidden by the clouds.
“Nourish” is such a beautiful word 💗
I completely agree. Thanks for commenting - I really appreciate it.
Wow wow wow wow wow
Thanks for your support Mahmoud 🙏
Thanks for sharing your story Andy, it touched my heart. And sending blessings to you and your family. It's made me think more about connection in the online space and how to create more community.
Thanks Lisa - it's been scary to start putting words out there but the community here is proving to be a kind and supportive one, which is heartwarming. Thanks for taking the time to share my ramblings, it means a lot.