Every Monday, I share 1 question for you to contemplate, 1 idea from me, 1 quote from others, and 1 inspiration for us.
This week’s topic is: Connection
I love doing jigsaw puzzles and a couple of weeks ago I started a 5000 piece one. When we build puzzles, we try to make connections and integrate pieces that have something in common. Some puzzles are very easy to build, others are very complex and it often takes time to figure them out. As the puzzle takes shape, we start to see patterns that make sense and we continue to integrate the pieces until we are finally able to see a wonderful picture. Building puzzles can be seen as a metaphor of life especially as we create connections with other human beings and build meaningful relationships.
One Question for you
Communication is merely an exchange of information, but connection is an exchange of our humanity.
Discuss the question here.
One Idea from me
Connection is the willingness to join people where they are, no matter whether where they are is in happiness or in sorrow and be with them there unconditionally. In my experience, building meaningful human connections takes three key ingredients which need to be practiced in alignment with one another and with consistency:
Authenticity: No matter the puzzle theme – landscape, animals, art or cartoon - many of the pieces can look alike and similar. However, each puzzle piece is authentic and does not try to change its unique colours, shape and size just to fit in. When building a connection, showing up with authenticity requires us to put away the masks we wear, let ourselves be seen by the other person and name the truth with good intention. To build strong connections, allow yourself to be transparent, speak from the heart (not from your title) and model the behaviours that invite others to also share their truth in a way that moves the connection forward.
Presence: Building a puzzle requires great focus and attention. Building connections is the same. Give the person you want to connect with your undivided, unconditional and focused presence. Ask profound questions that reveal the values, beliefs, deepest wishes and inner world of the person.
Perseverance: Many puzzle pieces can look familiar – but this does not mean they fit together immediately. Puzzles don’t come with step-by-step instructions – you have to try different combinations or approaches until you find the one that works. Connections work in the same way. In building connections, perseverance requires total commitment, deep trust and unconditional openness.
One Quote from others
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” Brené Brown
One Inspiration for us
In this article we talked about the synergies between the concept of connection and doing jigsaw puzzles. If you enjoy doing puzzles or would like to try out a new hobby, check out the wonderful Indigenous puzzles from the Indigenous Collection. Indigenous Collection is a family run business based in Richmond BC that works directly with Indigenous artists from across North America putting their original designs into puzzles and other great products.
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