There is so much in our world that separates and distracts us.
Everything from social media to the news.
It can be hard to find common ground.
Something that we can agree upon.
Or even something we can just talk about without getting upset.
WE CAN HAVE A HARD TIME TO EVEN JUST BE PRESENT TO THE PERSON WHO IS WITH US.
To give them our full attention.
As our phones buzz us with a message from someone else far away.
It can be easy to make the person who is not in the room with us more important than the person standing right in front of us.
SO WE DISCONNECT WITH WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE, FOR SOMETHING WE HOPE TO HAVE.
Maybe it is that the person who is with us makes us feel uncomfortable in some way.
And because of that we would rather try to connect with someone who is not here.
The distraction can give us some needed space.
OR IT CAN JUST BE A WAY TO AVOID WHAT WE DO NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH.
Either way we get disconnected to the present moment.
We feel disconnected to the person who is with us.
Using our devices to replace that connection with a facsimile of connection.
Yet that is not real connection.
It is possible to feel more connected with someone who is miles away or on the other side of the world.
Without the physical proximity thought, we still feel disconnected and alienated.
Which gives us one more reason to separate from the world around us.
REAL CONNECTION ONLY HAPPENS WHEN WE HAVE AN EXPERIENCE OF ANOTHER PERSON IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD.
To hold and be held.
Or to laugh and cry together.
And experience human touch, comfort, and caring.
That only happens when we are with the person we care about and who cares about us.
The connection in the physical world is about so much more than a physical relationship.
TRUE PRESENCE CREATES THAT KIND OF CONNECTION.
It nourishes our soul and feeds our heart.
So is it any wonder why so much of this world feels disconnected and lone?
How much time and effort to put towards being present to the people who surround us?
There is no substitute.
It may not always be pleasant to truly be with what is happening right in front of us.
YET PRESENCE IS THE ONLY ANTIDOTE FOR DISCONNECTION.
And the miracle that might happen is that as we are present to the uncomfortable and unwanted situations, we may find a deeper connection.
Far deeper than any virtual or long distance connection.
So are you truly giving your full presence to those around you?
Do you use something virtual to disconnect from an unpleasant moment?
~ Sam Liebowitz, The Conscious Consultant
Host of The Conscious Consultant Hour
