Is there anything better than having a cup of tea or glass of wine with old friends who know you so well that you don’t have to try? Where conversation flows quickly and easily beyond the social norms of work/career/weather/blah blah blah to a more restful place where you can simply say how things are for you today...the good, the bad and the ugly and nobody tries to change you or fix you. Or where you can have a good gossip, talk about the kids/sport/home/latest frock that you picked up and it’s ok to simply chat away. Or it’s even ok just to sit in silence. Bliss.
For me, since becoming a mum and moving away from Sydney, one of the things I have missed most is being part of a community, where I have true connection. Over the last two and half years, I have had to start right over again, in a completely new place and make new friends. And I have – there’s nothing like having a baby or young child to get you chatting to complete strangers! In fact, when I visit Sydney these days, I am reminded how much friendlier I have become, simply by living in a much smaller community where people chat to each other and you know your neighbours. But I relish the times I get to catch up with old friends, particularly those who have been part of my personal development and teaching journey. There is something unique about having shared deep experiences with people within a course room that helps you bond at a different level. You may not share the same taste in music, food or politics but you have shared a part of your heart and your life...and that counts so much more.
Attending an open day at my local meditation centre this weekend, I was also reminded of just how peaceful, inspiring and deeply comforting it is to sit in a course room that holds special energy, strong love. We don’t live our lives in course rooms of course (in fact the very best course rooms I have been part of, inspire you to start living the life you want outside the course room), but these sacred spaces so help refuel us for the rest of our busy lives. And there are times when we all need refuelling. More bliss.
Isolation can affect us all, wherever we live, even in these days of social media where people are constantly ‘talking’ (but is anyone listening?). As a mother and teacher, building strong, real communities is incredibly important to me. And that’s why I am excited to be part of the Keep Evolving team...it’s very nice feeling to know that a new candle is being lit in part of the world...bringing new light and a chance to ‘fill’ your cup.
Joanna Woutersz
Love the experience of bonding. Bonding holds cultures together at a much deeper level than rules and laws I reckon...like invisible ribbons that tie us together when everything else falls away.
ReplyDeleteThat's right.
ReplyDeleteI met up with a dear friend this week who I went to uni with in the UK over 30 years ago and haven't seen since. Because of our shared experiences and bonding back then it was such a pleasure to catch up and share our stories from the last 30 years.
Shared experiences at a deep level is what real connection and friendship is all about.
I doubt whether this can be replicated through the internet, (but I'm willing to be proved wrong!)
I know Joanna...I remember when my daughter was born the isolation I felt. I had been a successful careerwoman up until that point and then I was thrust into motherhood without a skill in the world except a heart that burst with joy at the relationship between Jasmine and I....a lot of my single friends fell away at this point and I had to relearn how to build connections....it's been a bit of a struggle to be honest but worth it...I love the community spirit that I've found near where I live but if I was being honest...I want more...more depth in the relationships, more deep and meaningfuls, more love and more compassion....more engagement...loving and living my way thru life...xxxx
ReplyDelete