Humans were born for connectedness; we are a tribal nation; but yet we suck at it. I’m sure this isn’t a surprise to many of you, but then again it may be. Connection is a core human need; we not only need to connect with other human beings, we also need to connect to nature.
You don’t have to be an Einstein to know that before man there was earth, with all its plants, soil, water, air, then came the animals, then came man. We have an innate desire to connect not only to our planet, but animals and other human beings.
I don’t know about you but I feel good when I connect with another human being on a deeper level. I’m talking connecting, being vulnerable, sharing your feelings, listening to others, finding out what makes people who they are. What makes you laugh, cry, come alive with fireworks?
Connection is the experience of oneness. It’s having shared experiences, relatable feelings,
or similar ideas. It is the feeling of belonging to something greater than oneself.
The world we live in has developed in such a digital era, that one would think we’re more connected than ever. Yes, and no! Social media is a convenient way to connect with people around the world, or friends and relatives to keep abreast of what’s happening, but it’s not authentic. It’s intellectual, it’s not about feeling. Call me sappy if you want, but I prefer to feel, to get goosebumps, to laugh or cry, and most importantly to share that with other human beings.
I feel blessed that I still have people in my life that actually pick up the telephone to connect with me. I have friends who write letters, send cards, and I have friends who take the time to connect in person. Hell, I still send snail mail, I send cards, I even send postcards without having to be on an out-of-town trip to do it.
I gave up television in 1989, yes thirty years ago, the day my daughter was born. Let me tell you, it was the best thing I ever did! I still go to a friend’s house to watch the Browns game, but that’s still a connection. People getting together to root for a team, and yell with the ups and downs is still people coming together for an afternoon of comradery.
When people come to my house, there’s nothing else to do but talk, share food & drink, listen to music, and talk some more! I love it! I have the best times, because everyone has put their devices away, there’s NO TV to stare at like a bunch of robots, we just actually connect! What a novel idea!
Facebook, is about people trying to one up the other, look good, add filters, and get the most likes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m on FB and I post pictures of my cat, food I make, and my daughter when we get together. However, I also write letters, make phone calls, visit with people, etc. I’m not trying to be Debbie Downer here, I’m merely stating an observation, are we that busy that we’ve lost the real art of connection?
Maybe it’s just me, I’ve lost five boyfriends, two husbands, and a half-a-dozen friends through death. Life is too short, to stay too busy, not to connect to those you care about in a truly authentic meaningful way.
Love, Blessings, & Gratitude,
Eva Starr
