One of the things I love about visiting the city of Chattanooga, especially along the walking bridge over the Tennessee River, overlooking a beautiful city park, is seeing so many people hanging out for the sole purpose of connection – families, couples, college kids, people walking their dogs.
When I witness kindness and smiles in people’s eyes when they look at each other, it changes my inner world. I wish this was the norm, wouldn’t that be so nice? I would like it to be.
One of the things I love most about “the power of noticing” is the positive, magnetic energy that is generated by deliberately giving something my focused attention. So when I heard Gabor Maté speak about an indigenous father and son who he read about – and how they displayed a deep sense of connection with one another – and how much it touched him even just reading about it – I was moved too – and I knew I wanted that to be my focus.
We’re wired for connection, and I believe this is the most important key to positive mental health. Meaningful connection with ourselves, with others, with nature, with our work – this, to me, is SANCTUARY. This, to me, is the whole purpose of freedom. October 10 was World Mental Health Day, and it is the day SANCTUARY: 4 Mantras for Thriving After Emotional Trauma was launched. Over the next year, between now and October 10, 2020, I intend to give my attention to the many examples of connection in my world.
Are you touched by witnessing moments of connection? I welcome you to share your stories.
Much love,
Happy D!
ps. Here’s Gabor’s message which touched me… I hope enjoy it too.
