As far back as I can remember I have been fascinated by human nature. I have always loved to watch people and observe their choices, preferences and habits. I perceive myself as a sensitive person, certainly an introvert; at times I can be shy and thin-skinned. My inclination is often to watch rather than participate and connect. Perhaps because of this, my inclination is often to watch rather than participate and connect.
If I am honest with myself, I can look back over the years and notice the myriad of times when I had a chance to participate or maybe even connect deeply but instead I choose to hold back.
It seems to me that true connection often requires emotional risk and a willingness to be vulnerable if not open-hearted. If we wish to pursue true connection, we will be challenged to move outside of our emotional comfort zone.
A dear and beloved spiritual ally of mine recently shared some of his personal challenges with me, which I know was a risk for him. His daring inspired me to take more risk and reach out in a deliberate attempt to connect more deeply. Part of this endeavor has included a move into deeper authenticity. It is Anne Morrow Lindbergh who offered, “If one is estranged from oneself, then one is estranged from others too. If one is out of touch with oneself, then one cannot touch others.” Not only do I believe that authenticity is the way forward in creating deep connection, but I find other’s authenticity magnetically attractive. My guess is I am not alone in that realization.
Today I had the blessing of meeting spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson. Ms. Williamson was speaking at my wonderful friend Dr. Rev. Michelle Medrano’s church, New Vision Center, in Scottsdale, AZ. This opportunity for connection took me back mentally to one of the first times I saw Marianne speak about 15 years ago in Los Angeles. I attended the lecture with my friend Teresa. At intermission, Teresa wasted no time in going right up to Marianne to ask her about some linguistic challenges she was having with the A Course in Miracles text. I so admired Teresa for her unabashed ability to go right up to Marianne without a moment’s hesitation. It took me years (probably five) to move outside my comfort zone enough to simply ask Marianne for a picture with her.
