I find it fascinating that life is so digitally connected and the opportunity to connect globally is a reality none of us ever really imagined would be possible. I’m so grateful for these platforms of connection especially with social distancing and due to being separated geographically from family and friends. If you are separated from your family geographically then I am grateful that you have these platforms to use in order to connect with your loved ones.
However the challenges which arise as a result of some of these platforms is that perhaps we have forgotten how to connect in a face-to-face setting. When we are not separated geographically but choose to remain online. The questions which cycle through my mind include questions like ”Have we forgotten how to communicate face-to-face? Are we teaching our children and the next generation that face-to-face interactions with eye contact and physical engagement are still the ultimate interaction?”
Do you agree with me that interactions where you can smell the person's fragrance or after shave, seeing your child’s wet, sweaty hair and dirt all over their hands and feet are a more meaningful form of connection than being online? In my opinion all these physically present encounters are opportunities to connect. An opportunity to ask your children about their playtime outside. An opportunity to ask them what they discovered and learnt on their expedition outside. They are able to invite you into their world and you are able to invite them into your world as you respond, comment and affirm them. Likewise to engage with your spouse or partner as they arrive home with a sense of heaviness from the stress of their day. Acknowledging their presence with a word of encouragement also creates a doorway to connect. They invite you
into their world you and you invite them into your world- ahh connection. It’s like puzzle pieces coming together. It’s a beautiful dynamic. There is an opportunity to hug, kiss, hold hands and comfort a sad heart and no social platform can come close to replacing moments like these. They are moments of building intimacy, trust, appreciation and love. An opportunity to be reminded why you chose your spouse or partner. These moments are opportunities to choose to build deeper moments of connection. I see them as singular moments which create opportunities to keep connecting. These connections become strong foundations built brick by brick, which in time become the foundation upon which heavy loads can be placed as we journey through life.
My encouragement to everyone would be to use the social media platforms for all the positive aspects they bring into our lives, but to keep connecting physically with those around you. Lets's connect with the ones we love and care for in a real way, and disconnect from the distractions of our lives which may cause us to disconnect.
Who will you choose today?
Lynn
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