Life-Shifting Personal Growth Always Involves Community & Connection
The Sweet Spot for Personal Growth Work
I am often asked if I do coaching, or one-on-one work. I always hem and haw about that one. I'm not opposed to that kind of work. I did it for many years when I was working in mental health.
It's just that right now the vision I have for Luminate Wellness is about connecting deeply personal self-work, building community and connection, while setting the stage for social/cultural shift.
I often have huge epiphanies in the shower. I can't tell you how many ideas I've had, and blog posts that have been born in the shower. If it wasn't for water waste and pruney hands, I think a half day of showering would give me enough material to work with for a year!
So a couple of days ago, I was showering and this Venn diagram came into my head:
I see holistic living as the integration of body, mind, soul and spirit. Healthy connection with others is so important to the balance and flow of integrated living.
Deep-seated growth and change is very possible. It requires tenderness, self-care, hard work, and a lot of grace. One thing I know is that when we have support from others, we move through the growth process that much smoother.
“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.
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We are made for connection, yet we live in a culture that is becoming more and more individualistic and isolated. We are wired for relationship. Oh how sweet it is when we connect with someone who just "gets us." The gift of sinking into the comfort of someone's presence who values us as we are. It's like jumping into a soft, white, fluffy bed of feathers (not that I've done this, but I can imagine how delightful it would be). How amazing is it to spend time with someone who is able to see the best of what already exists in us, sees glimpses of our untapped potential, and cultivates a safe environment for us to find our inner expert? At the same time, we are able to reciprocate this with the other person. All ingredients for pure joy.
It's a tall order, I know, maybe a bit idealistic, but I believe these kinds of relationships are possible. They will not be perfect all the time, but having fierce grace for imperfection is all a part of the package that comes with deep, electric connection.
I believe it's possible to create safe spaces like this in workshops and groups, especially when a facilitator is skilled at creating safe learning environments.
We are made to know, and to be known.
We are wired for connection.
We all crave this.
Take that one step further–when a group of like-minded people gather, we begin to create cultural shifts.
The gathering of like-minded voices really begins to impact the world around us. When we unite with a common cause, or vision, we create a culture of acceptance, grace and support in our communities, workplaces, and schools.
Peace, acceptance and grace starts with me, and it starts with you.
It's catchy though, like a spark in a dry forest floor.
The unity of voices coming together will no doubt have a HUGE impact on the whole.
Stay tuned for more about Self-Care/Personal Development, Connection and Social/Cultural change, and how they all impact each other.
- Jenn Cusick