Community & Connectedness

Picture by Clint Adair from Unsplash

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. Joseph Campbell

We are finding community and connectedness in the midst of lockdown isolation.

On our daily local walk with the dog yesterday, we saw a few folk - not many, as we try to go when it's quiet. Everyone was careful to adjust their route and keep appropriate distances. But, most made an effort to shout out a greeting, smile, nod their head or raise their eyebrows! A recognition of my humanity and yours. A shared moment of connectedness that was meaningful.

There was healing and love in that connection. Everyone is hungry for connection and belonging - always. This is more evident now than ever.

Hubby said, "It feels like the "old" New Zealand" and shared stories of his childhood in the South Island. I shared stories of whānau gatherings in the midst of the curfew of the Iranian Revolution.
We've been married thirty years, yet our moments of connectedness with (mostly) strangers, led us to deeper connection with each other.

I don't think we can emphasise the importance of connectedness and community enough during life's extreme journeys. Chaos, grief, change and times of urgency - when the "burning platform" is close and in our face - are all times when connection becomes critical. Be it in our personal lives or our business world - the need for community, connection and belonging are constant.

We're heading into the third week of lockdown. So let's be intentional about going beyond self and connecting.

Being intentional: Pick up the phone, send a text, message someone, host a virtual gathering - do what you can. I am focusing on service for my clients, hosting virtual small group gatherings for my peers and reaching out to my loved ones - here and across the world. Everyone needs connection: let's be here for each other.
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Daily Rhythms: For me, the work day is shorter and more focused. My focus is adding value where I can (often that just means listening) and work projects (my first book and virtual/online delivery options). I am also being intentional about daily exercise, eating well (nailed homemade sourdough!) and finding moments of stillness to reflect and be present. Mostly, I'm out of my comfort zone and it's not easy, but it's rewarding and exciting to practice in new arenas.

The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. Joseph Campbell

I read an article from a home detention officer, who said week three can be a hump week. I seem to remember a similar conversation during my son's 8 week isolation of   bone marrow transplant.

How are you finding ways to connect and manage your daily rhythm during lockdown? What's helping?
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Share it with us in the comments and let your light shine!

I truely believe there are opportunities to thrive. History is full of examples of innovations at time of constraints (e.g. Sir Issac Newton during the Great Plague). In collaborative design - we know innovations are at the margins, rather than BAU but it's likely that BAU as we knew it is the past.

So we need to be Collaborative Futures Thinking - NOW.

Ngā manaakitanga, Nazanin
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