We
are wired for connection. But the key is that,
in
any given moment, it has to be real.
Brene
Brown*
As
I continue to be depression free or as I've been saying, 'in
remission,' I've come to realize how essential one
heartfelt-connection is each day to nurture my renewal. Without it, I feel vulnerable for darkness to return..
While
we may experience multiple connections each day -- the
heartfelt-connection simply happens and is a whole different experience. Brene Brown
defines it as: “. . .the energy that exists between people when they
feel seen, heard, and valued. . .”**
A
heartfelt-connection can be with loved ones, friends or
even a stranger. This morning it happened in the shower area at
the YMCA where I swim. While I was drying off, I heard the
following conversation between M and a Stranger...
M:
How are you?
Stranger
heading out to her water aerobic class: My husband is ill...M: Get those endorphins moving and you'll feel better...
As I stood drying myself off Stranger walked by...
I said: You know, I don't know you. But I'm so sorry your husband is ill... That's a hard
journey and I know from experience. (I cared for my partner who died of cancer.)
We looked at each other. With tears in her eyes, stranger mouthed: Thank you.
Today
this was my heartfelt connection.
Today's blog
opened and closes with Brene Brown: "Not enough of us
know how to sit in pain with others. I have started to believe that
crying with strangers in person could save the world."*
May each of us
experience multiple heartfelt-connections each day with
friends, loved ones and strangers...
###
*Brene
Brown, Braving the Wilderness,
Random House, pages 128 & 130
**https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/connection
Subscribe
to OldBold&Beautiful.Life
through email (see panel to right of blog).
through email (see panel to right of blog).