We all crave for connection. We long to love and be loved. Even those of us who have been hurt or abandoned secretly hope that someone will come along to prove to us that love is real and intimacy is achievable. That hope is the thing that keeps us searching. It is a yearning to touch, be seen and acknowledged. This yearning is often times covered with fear, doubt and skepticism. However, our true nature is linked to the wholeness of the universe and can never be extinguished.
During the holiday season we are catapulted into arenas where we can see how far we have come or how far we have yet to go regarding relationship. Our family members can be blind to their behaviors and hurtful opinions. Often, we find ourselves leaping back to the default position that made us feel safe or protected as a child. We seek connection or we withdraw into a place that allows us to seemingly be secluded and alone. Let us consider connection vs isolation.
The dictionary defines isolation in the following ways:
- Separate from the group or whole and set apart
- To render free of external influence
As children, many of us became extraordinarily creative at adapting to our living situations. We learned that being authentic, speaking up or contradicting someone could bring challenging results. For some of us the backlash came as punishment in the form of anger. Some experienced violence, abuse, alcoholism or addiction. Others found that our environment was filled with critics that were adept at tearing us down and making us feel insignificant. We quickly learned to become invisible and loose our voices. Others became angry, defensive and took on a warrior stance.
The definition of connection is as follows:
- To associate or consider as related
- To become joined or united
- A line of communication between two points
If we just take a portion of the definition and apply it to our lives we see that we want to communicate in ways that unites us. We want to keep our hearts open and feel safe to be vulnerable and transparent.
One of the most interesting things we see is that often times we become replicas of the people that did not treat us well. We are shut down, become critical and abusive in our language to self and others. We become guarded and unable to love because it is too uncomfortable. We begin to realize that we cannot connect to another if we are not connected to ourselves. That means recognizing that we must look at our own beliefs and behaviors in order to discover the meaning of self-worth and self- love. We come to the realization that we must become at home within ourselves. The moment that this occurs we experience freedom.
Here is a tool to support you during the holiday season:.
- First, draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper. On one side write how you react when you feel disconnected. Please include where you feel denied, where and when you hold back and where you feel powerless. Also, make note of the ways that you withdraw your love and energy in given situations. Now, check your body…how do you feel? It is important for you to look at this in order to become clear about releasing this pattern.
- Now, imagine what it would feel like if you felt loved and supported. What would it feel like to connect and trust? Note how your body feels when you open to love and acceptance.
- Write down on the other side of the paper what it feels like to be connected, open and expansive. Notice which side of the paper makes you feel better.
- You are now at a choice point. If you want to feel and act differently than refer to the first list and set three intentions in support of the second side of the paper. Examples:
– I will love myself when others act in unloving ways
– I choose to share my feelings in a calm way expecting nothing in return.
Take this week to practice with people that are not close to you. It could be people at work or simply people you interact with in non-threatening environments. It will be easier to establish a new pattern if you use this technique with those unable to push your buttons easily.
I invite you this week to affirm the truth of your life daily.
Today, I choose to be visible. I choose to love and accept myself. I release the past and open to relationships that are connected and supportive
Cynthia James is a transformational specialist guiding thousands of people to make changes for lasting healing in their lives. Ms James is a speaker, teacher, performing artist and the award winning author of “What Will Set You Free”. Cynthia has facilitated hundreds of workshops, and keynotes; including Celebrate Your Life, Woman Arising, the Gift in Shift, Colorado Behavior Healthcare Council, the Women’s Success Forum, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Detention Facility, and many others. She is the founder of the Cynthia James Support Network; an online support community. Cynthia’s newest book, “Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence”, offers practical tools for self empowerment. www.CynthiaJames.net
Read more from VividLife.me bloggers:
Expression vs. Depression by Cynthia James
For some the holiday season is a time of joy, family and celebration. It is a time when people gather to honor the year and connect with those that they love. For others, this is a time of deep and profound sadness. A time that feels wrought with pain and suffering from failed relationships, financial challenges, job dissatisfaction and extreme self-worth issues.
Stress is not what you think by Ed and Deb Shapiro
Ironically, the holiday season can be most stressful time of the year. Imagine you are trying to squeeze some toothpaste out of a tube but you have forgotten to take the top off. What happens? Deb actually did this in one of her most unaware moments and the toothpaste soon found another way out through the bottom of the tube and got all over her. It will force a hole in the side or wherever is the weakest point.
Written by Cynthia James
Cynthia James is a transformational specialist guiding people as they make changes for lasting healing in their lives. Ms James’ life was transformed as she transcended a childhood of violence and abuse, and that experience has created the foundation for all her programs. As a speaker, teacher, singer and award winning author of “What Will Set You Free” and “Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence”, Cynthia has coached and supported thousands of people into healthy and vibrant living. Her program, Advanced Awareness Coaching offers depth, focus and results for high level business creatives. Cynthia created and facilitated the Venus Transit University teleseries, which ran from June 5 to July 6, 2012. In the fall of 2012, she developed the Global Blessing Blog. Ms James has completed a Masters Degree in Consciousness Studies from Holmes Institute and in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Cynthia is personally committed to utilizing creative expression as a vital and effective healing modality that will assist everyone in their own personal and professional growth. www.cynthiajames.net
