Difficult Emotions

Grappling with connectedness and the mythology of independence

I was invited to a virtual coaching networking meeting, knowing only one person. Ordinarily, this can be uncomfortable for me. But I knew we had one thing in common. We were all grappling with the new world we’ve been thrust into, and we all wanted to take the time to understand, decompress, connect and make sense of what we are experiencing. Here are some of our thoughts.

Humanity has delivered us a hefty ‘kick in the butt’. It’s a wake up call to all that we have taken for granted – the choices, the freedom of movement, our insatiable consumerism, our access to healthcare, resources, services and supports, our friends, family, and communities, our ability to work and play as we wish. Many people around the world have never had, or already lost these taken-for-granted privileges, but for those of us who have had them, well, let’s just say, it has my attention. 

The COVID-19 virus is offering us the opportunity to notice how intertwined our lives are: how dependent and interdependent we are. From the frontlines of our local grocery store to those who manage our condos, look after our landscaping, clean our homes and offices, take care of our health and cut our hair, we are connected to and reliant on others. As it should be. We are social beings. Yet, the mythology of independence has made invisible to us these meaningful, and often critical relationships that we simultaneously value and take for granted.

Maybe, as our group concluded, humanity and the environment are getting a much needed break. The pandemic, with all the pain and loss is also offering us the chance to slow down, stay present, be curious, seek connections with intention and focus, and find a new openness and wholeheartedness to our humanity.

What is possible when we stand in the place of knowing how little control we have to shape the outcome of this global pandemic? How do each of us approach ambiguity and uncertainty? What can we learn about ourselves and others in these extraordinary times? How do we find engagement within the social responsibility of social distancing? What choices do each of us have in this moment? How will our communities, countries and world be transformed by this? What is this calling forth in each of us?

Perhaps sharing your thoughts, experiences, worries and opportunities with us will provide some learning and connection for us all.

Join us next week to connect.

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