We suspect — or at least we hope — that there are more and more things… where people have the opportunity to discover their commonality. These are things that can change the world, even if it’s by one person at a time.”
– Gregory Stebbins, President of Insight University
The Power Of Connection
In Stebbins’ article for the Huffington Post, “Connection: The Heart of Our Humanity,” he writes about the power of connection, how it has the ability to bridge social, cultural, and economic gaps:
I made friends and shared extremely touching experiences with them, [even though some] I barely talked to. I know not their personalities and everyday lives, but I know their core being. I also learned my core being; I saw myself in a way I have never seen before; full of love, laughter and beautiful qualities that I can appreciate in myself. Now I see myself as a person, someone to be loved and cared for, who deserves the respect I give everyone else. … Life … is an ebb and flow. [This program] taught me how to grow from the ebbs, remember the flows and to always continue to love myself, others and life.”
– A young woman, “who had just completed a 4-day program for teens from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.”
How Can You Know If You Are Placing Value In Connecting With Others?
To test out whether there is value for you in connecting with others… here’s a simple suggestion. Try it and see if you notice a difference.
Once a day, when you’re getting ready to text or email someone, call them and talk instead. Better yet, if it’s someone at work or someone close to where you are, go over and deliver your message in person. See if there’s a natural opening to make physical contact with them — a handshake or just a touch on the arm. See what it’s like to actually make a human connection.”
What Do You Think?
What are some ways to test your connection with others?
Image: “Friends Greeting” by Tobyotter on Flickr.