Prefer to listen as you cultivate connection?
Click play below for a reading of today's intentional session from co-founder Matt.
Today, let's explore how creativity enhances our connection to all things.
The world is in the midst of great change and transformation.
Change can be scary but we know, deep within, that this change is necessary to restore balance and connection. We also know that balance and connection must be restored within the individual for transformation to occur.
This change and transformation is guiding us towards our preferences.
Choosing and focusing intentionally are the creative acts that apply. If things are going to change radically, who and what do you prefer?
We have spent several days honoring creativity and the Autumn cycle as it manifests within us. How does our internal creative practice enhance our connection to Nature and Community?
We hear from many different sources that “we are all connected”. What does that actually mean?
Not only are we, as humans, connected but all things are connected by energy on a quantum level. (Studies have now been done that validate this but ancient wisdom has known this for years). What that also means is that our “feeling place” (vibration, if you prefer) emanates out from us, affecting the energy in this connected field.
Our internal creative practice brings our focus to this moment with an intention to grow and heal.
Through this courageous, curious, self-aware process we observe and shift our conditioning. This balances our “feeling places” so that we are generally adding “love energy” to the field. When that is our general state of being…a love for peace, a love for the planet, a love for others…we not only create miracles for ourselves but contribute to the peace and healing of the planet. We begin to fully and deeply understand and feel connection.
Keep in mind that as travelers and students on this journey we are still Humans.
There is no peace and healing with shame, guilt or criticism of ourselves or our learning. We have “dark” sides. When we can look upon those “dark sides” with love and compassion we are once again adding “love energy” to the field.
Our focus on this creative journey has been on becoming comfortable and conscious of our whole Being.
We have taken stock and recognized our patterns and conditioning. We realize the importance of our creative and self-care rituals. We are becoming Masters at living in alignment with our values and pausing to hear the speaking of our internal wisdom. We have learned to give to ourselves without guilt and to receive without resistance (As Carl Jung says “What we resist, persists”). We are vibrating with the energy of love.
(Okay, maybe we haven't Mastered all of this but we are aware and we are practicing. We are a work in progress, after all)
Humans are inherently social creatures; we are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to be loved and to belong.
Having strong, loving connections strengthens our immune system, can reduce inflammation, and increase longevity. Much like the relationship we have with ourselves, our relationship with others is conducive to our well-being, health, and fulfillment.
People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Other studies show that people that are connected have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, and are more trusting and cooperative. As a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them. Connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being.
Read today's affirmation out loud with purpose and intent:
“The practice of bringing myself into this moment makes me aware of my connection to Myself, Nature, and Others.
I am a focused and curious listener.”
Good communication leads to stronger connections.
Probably one of the most important tools to greater communication and connection is the art of listening.
Listening is more than just remaining silent while another person speaks.
Good listeners amplify, energize, and clarify the speaker's thinking. They make the speaker feel better by being actively supportive.
When listening are you focused and attentive to the person speaking (no matter what they are talking about)? Focused on your phone? or the television? Letting your mind wander to other things? Formulating your rebuttal?
Do you ask questions relevant to what the person is talking about?
What happens to your feeling place when you have to discuss difficult, emotional, or complex issues?
Bring yourself into this moment with three long, slow breaths.
Think about the field of energy that connects us all.
In whatever manner resonates, express that field on your page.
“When I vibrate with gratitude I feel connected to the abundance of the Universe. I consciously choose to connect to the field with love.
I am grateful for _________________________ “
Are you a “good” listener?
Do you observe your feeling place throughout the day? How could you become better connected to Nature and Others?
What is one way you enjoy connecting to Nature and Others?
Please share your observations and creative musings in the comments below or the Art Room Activity Feed.
Inspired by today's intentional session?
It's from this 30-day journey that we think you'd love!
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