We have woken up to a simple yet profound truth...
Everything and everyone is connected.
These are extraordinary times.

I've just returned from my 'one form of daily outdoor exercise'. And I write this, locked down at home, during a global pandemic. I never thought I'd write that sentence in a non-fiction context. Weird. It's all quite surreal.

Moments like this bring all the things we take for granted into focus. And we gain clarity on the under-the-surface norms and ideologies that underpin our beliefs and values. The more we disconnect and physically isolate, the more we can see how connected we truly are.

Everything impacts everything else.

Emotions, information, and ideas spread like subsidiary metaphorical viruses from one person to the next. Markets crash when the proverbial butterfly wings flap gently on the other side of the world. And the image of a single shelf of empty toilet paper can lead to mass hysteria and global panic buying of something that wasn't a problem until it became a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Everything is Connected
In this month's podcast I decided to develop this theme of connection. So I connected with friends (some old and some new), and invited them to share some encouragement during this period of uncertainty and upheaval.

It's turned into the longest episode I've ever produced. I had a great time putting it together, and am excited to share the lovely responses from my big hearted gentle rebel friends. I asked them two questions: 'how are you connecting right now?' And 'what does this make possible for you, for us, and for the world?'

How are You Connecting Right Now?
We are connecting with other people in different ways. We are connecting with new parts of ourselves. And we are connecting with aspects of society that have been inaccessible until now.

We are Connecting With Others
"It's wonderful to have this technology. In a time when we must physically distance, we don't actually have to socially distance." - Mark Pierce
 
"Even though I'm an introvert, I know my limits. And I know that it can feel easy for me to go days without seeing anyone in person. But I still desperately need to connect with others. I need to be heard, and I need to hear others. And ideally I need to see them, even if it's just on video. I just need to remember that." - Cat Rose
 
"I am connected more with my friends, and I even connect more with my family at home. Because we are doing things like playing games and spending time together which we don't often do." - Lydia Wilmsen
 
"There have been moments of connection with strangers. Exchanging eye contact which says 'this is weird isn't it?' There's a moment of connection there. This shared loneliness is making it all a bit less lonely." - Neil Hughes
 
"The family Zoom conference was such a rich experience for us. We laughed and reminded each other of how much we care. These digital tools can be used to continue spreading fear, static, and frustration in the world. Or it can provide a forum for laughter, where there's real connection." - Jacob Nordby

We Can Connect With Ourselves
"The world is slowing down. And it's really tangible. We can feel it. We're all part of this. We all contribute. And this global quiet is a result of all of us slowing down." - Ben Fizell
 
"I'm connecting on the inside. I'm meditating and spending time doing inner work. And it's such an empowering feeling because I don't feel helpless or fearful. By going inwards, I feel as though I'm connecting with others in a telepathic sort of way." - Carol Chapman
 
"We can begin listening out for patterns that show up inside us. A lot of panic and fear comes from other fears. Not just outer circumstances. It is stuff which is already in us. And right now we have more time to really look and go deep. This provides a huge potential for personal growth." - Lydia Wilmsen

What Does This Make Possible?