We are all searching, desperately, for connection. We want to be seen, understood, appreciated… the list goes on. Something hit me the other night… We can make this happen if we just allow it. Let me explain:
This thought started for me on Saturday night when I sat down to watch the Tragically Hip concert on CBC. When they were showing Gord Downie getting ready to go on stage, he was hugging and kissing each one of his band members before going out. Please let me clarify, I was not grossed out… I did not find it strange… I sincerely found it interesting that this man felt so comfortable to kiss his band members… ON THE LIPS. I was amazed. It was incredible to watch. He was connecting and loving every person around him. He loved each of these people and he was not afraid to express it. Unbelievable. What a wonderful lesson for each one of us. I often feel like we are a confused, lost group of people looking to connect. We want to feel special, feel loved… And yet, we are afraid. Why are we afraid of it? How many men do you know feel comfortable kissing their male friends? Or even kissing their male friends directly on the mouth? What would you all think if I kissed you all as you came into class? Or as you were leaving? Would you be comfortable with that? Would I? But can you imagine feeling so deeply connected that it felt natural?
The other thing that really got me while I watched this show was the connection this one man was having with MILLIONS of people. Through his voice and his entertaining presence… Gord Downie was transcending space and time and connecting with millions of Canadians who were watching the show live, on the streets, in bars, in parks and in their homes. We were watching. It is estimated that 1/3 of Canadians watched that Concert… That is approximately 11.7 million people watching, listening… remembering. If you cried, if you were moved, if you had any emotion at all that night – you shared that with 11.7 million other Canadians.
So, I guess it’s up to you. What do you need to do to feel more connected? What can you do? How can you make small changes to feel more connected already? Kiss? Hug? Hold hands? Say Hello? Or do you need to get stung by a hornet in order to have some feverish dream..? What will bring about your spontaneous enlightenment and show you the truth? We have the truth my darlings. Connect. Connect. Connect.
