The great connect

by MITA MISTRY

“WHEN people go within and connect with themselves, they realise they are connected to the universe and they are connected to all living things.” Armand DiMele

One thing that’s surfaced in these times of social distancing is how connected we really are. It reminds me of a classic book I read as part of an acupuncture degree, The Web That Has No Weaver in which the main theme is everything being connected. Imagine the world is a spider’s web where you and everyone are weaving it, if anyone changes a thread in the web, the entire web changes too.

It’s simple, but quite profound. And this concept is more apparent now than ever, especially if we observe how the virus has spread across the globe from one person to many and how each person’s actions shape the overall outcome of this disease.

Connection is so important and often overlooked, but there is a real one happening all around us right now. Not only can it boost immunity, but it’s also heartening to see people connecting with nature, helping others, showing the depths of their empathy and slowing down to enjoy simple things like appreciating loved ones. Some people are even connecting with creativity they didn’t have time to nurture before like art, reading and cooking.

When we nurture ourselves in this way, we connect to a part of us that is often forgotten and in doing so our hearts expand with joy. And when our hearts are filled with this self-compassion, they overflow and touch the lives of others and the world around us. This connection is the experience of oneness. It’s having shared experiences and relatable feelings especially when we are vulnerable in times of darkness.

Interestingly, a web is a metaphor for connection itself and the spider’s genius is repairing a broken web, spinning it back into oneness. Similarly, these moments we are faced with are interlocking, continually evolving threads where a new reality is woven by each one of us.

And many people who are not venturing outside are going within to reflect. Now is a good time to connect with our emotions and understand them to help cultivate peace that cannot be found in the external world. Perhaps, it is true that stability can only come from within.

What is truly beautiful is that we are connected beyond superficial social media ‘likes’, which can increase our ability to be inauthentic and create a façade of our lives that may not be an honest reflection of reality. There is something deeper, a genuine care every time someone says, ‘stay safe’ or ‘take care’. I’ve heard people say, ‘I can’t be with you, but I’m here caring for you’. People are beautiful and life is precious. And this solidarity is giving new meaning to life.

We may not fully understand this web that is life, but we do know that our actions have a rippling effect. Everything you do right now, no matter how small, affects everyone, so you can shine your heart and radiate compassion or convey fear. Connection is needed now more than ever, and your every act can open hearts and minds to help people get through this.

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