Connecting to people who support us.

I recall in my first year at high school, in Divinity class, the Deaconess presenting songs for us to listen to and discuss the meaning; one was “I am a Rock”. Although as far as I knew I had not been hurt by betrayal or rejection or lack of love something in the song resonated.

‘I am a rock, I am an island. I’ve built walls, A fortress deep and mighty, That none may penetrate. I have no need of friendship, friendship causes pain. It’s laughter and it’s loving I disdain. I am a rock, I am an island.’ Simon & Garfunkel

As a loner I have felt that it was a strength of mine to work things out on my own, to not have a need to ask others for help. Oh yes, there are a few times I have had coaching; a year of swimming, a couple of phone business coaching sessions, but more often than not I have been the coach.

It came as quite a revelation when I immersed myself in neuro-inter-personal biology (brain science, social intelligence, mindfulness) that I kept hearing of the innate need for connection, actual close communion, with people. I was acutely aware I lacked close friends and had no mentors. The walls so many people are building around themselves; the separation into us and them is escalating hatred and violence.

As I practiced meditations where I deliberately sent and felt connection with other living creatures around the world, especially compassion and gratitude, I felt a shift in my energy and happiness. This connection seems to be meeting my current needs.

I feel connected to teachers of mindfulness and hold them dearly in my heart. I send gratitude to a lady who put out a great challenge – a 30 day Mindfulness Summit, Meli O’Brien. The interviews she provided daily introduced me to Tara Brach, Rick Hanson and Jack Kornfield to name a few. Eckhart Tolle, Dan Siegel, the Pachamama Alliance, the Dalai Lama have all provided wisdom and guidance for inner freedom. I thank them for their gifts.

I am currently part of a group of nearly 400 people doing the Game Changer Intensive: a group with a common interest to move towards an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on the planet.

Within the bigger group I am part of a small group made up of people from around the world. One is 80 years old, a psychiatrist with incredible insight.

Post script February 2019: I sent this man an email but he was the mentor I was seeking. Being open to mentors has brought many people into my life. Most I know only through Social Media and video link up sites like Zoom, but it has uplifted my life.