Connectivity

I received the best compliment the other day. A friend was introducing me to someone and said that I had a lot of “connectivity.” Noone had ever described me like that before and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

It’s much easier for me to think about success in terms of achievement and acquisition. But really, as I get older, I am beginning to think in terms of connectivity. When I recall the funerals I’ve been to, I wasn’t overly impressed by what people had accomplished or acquired. But it was obvious to me that some people were extremely connected to others, while other people, sadly, weren’t.

It’s a risk. It’s certainly safer to stay small and not risk rejection. I’ve done that and it is a difficult pattern to get out of. Sometimes getting into the moment and into reality is more scary, than doing time in my self-constructed prisons of safety and familiarity. If we can be intentional, nobody chooses to live like that.

So, today, how would I grade my connectivity? How would I define my connectivity? How can I improve it?

Obviously, I can be connected to family, friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbors and society as a whole. What about nature? What about the divine spark? What about my own breath? What about my authentic self? I’ve had moments. I’ve had glimpses of transcending myself by being so connected to others. Not surprisingly, I’ve felt that way when I was on the giving end of a relationship. I felt that way after volunteering. I’ve felt that way after helping my grandmother. If I am aware and honest, I like that feeling a lot.

I have also had that feeling alone. I’ve had clarity on an issue that was puzzling me for weeks after journaling. Then I get a calm, quiet peace. I’ve lost myself in the woods and in the ocean - not so much thinking as I was being and just a part of nature.

I’m thinking of wifi. How strong is my signal - my connectivity? Honestly it seems to vary quite a bit from day to day. How can I put myself in an environment where I can get and receive strong connections? What can I do everyday to recalibrate and strengthen my connections?

Today I will slow down and focus on, experience and connect with my breath - realizing that I am one of 8 billion humans on earth.

Today I will slow down to recognize the richness and goodness in the other people that I come in contact with.

Today I will write down things I am grateful for.

Today I will recognize beauty in nature.

Today I will be the most authentic version of myself.

Today I will look for opportunities to be helpful to others.

Today I will look for the similarities and not the differences.

Today I will give sincere compliments.

Today I will reach out, maybe send a text, to someone I have been thinking about.

Today I will deemphasize what I can acquire or achieve and place my focus on how I can be more connected to others and the world..

Guest Author: T.L. Vernon