What is it to connect? It’s so easy today to avoid connecting with the people and the world around us. We get caught up in our own minutia not realizing there is whole world interacting around us. Connections are different for everyone. What feels like an easy way to connect for me might seem incredibly terrifying for someone else. I’m more of an extravert so striking up a conversation with a random person on the street, which I did last night, is just one of the numerous ways I connect with the world around me. I make a point to go outside, take my shoes off and feel the ground underneath (I prefer sand and water but often settle for the grass in front of my apartment). Each of these connections allows me embrace my surroundings and inspire me in different way. I find regardless of the type of connection I’m making the most important thing is to be present in the moment. Not thinking about what I have to do or imposing a particular outcome on the experience…just being there with all of my intention.
My car is in the shop, knowing I was going to be car-less
for a day or two, I loaded my beach cruiser into my car prior to going to the
repair shop. Once done there I
embraced my two mile journey home.
I confirmed that while biking I still do not like busy intersections
(mental note: be more cognizant of the three foot bike law) and avoided those
as much as possible, making me take a different path home. Not going so fast I had the time to
discover new treasures in my “neighborhood”. There is a paper store with my friends name and a very
unique iron works shop. I believe
there’s a hidden food establishment nearby (an adventure for another day) for
the air changed from crisp, brisk, fall air to pizza filled. I had to ride under the freeway, which
sounded strangely like a train.
One intersection away from my destination, the sounds of the environment
changed from industrial to laugher from the corner restaurant. It wasn’t until that moment I realized
my route had been people free.
Running errands later in the day on my bike was another adventure I
again had time to take embrace my surroundings. I complimented an elderly lady on her purple hat, I noticed
Halloween decorated yards (these tend be huge sights around here since my area
is filled with special effects people), I complimented two men on their
progress on putting up a haunted house, it looked more like a scary clown
house, to which I was invited to come back and check out the final
product. I don’t like to be scared
so I told them I’d probably pass but then they invited me to be one of the ones
scaring people, I said I’d think about their offer. I was also complimented on how cute my bike was.
The compliment I received was delightful! I re-learned that even the simplest
connections have a huge impact on ones attitude and behavior and no matter how
minute, have a ripple effect. I’m
making time and effort to have more connections. I have started taking a class, have joined a support group
for kids who have become caregivers (something I was completely against
before), send random texts to my friends spreading my form of joy and of course I walk barefoot outside!
There are so many ways to connect: compliment a stranger,
call a friend, volunteer, write a letter (and mail it), send an unexpected text
or email, smell the flowers while exploring your neighborhood and of course
walk barefoot even if it is just in your house (although outside is a
completely different experience)!
We love to be inspired & embrace your ideas! Please share ways that you find
connections with the people and world around you!
