Spiritual Solutions

WELCOME TO:
Lesson Eleven: Connecting

Please listen to the audio first by clicking on the link below, and then let’s read the lesson together.

Lesson Eleven: Connecting

From my experience, observation and work with many people, I have come to realize a huge segment of the population feels lonely some or most of the time. And, it doesn’t seem to make a difference if a person is in a long-term relationship or has a family. We feel isolated due to geographic separation from extended family, loss of small-town community and the reality that more people than ever are choosing to cocoon rather than reach out.

Connecting helps alleviate that loneliness. Now, more than ever, connecting addresses a core human need. Connecting offers a fundamental way to be more of who we are and to do what we are here to do. How you connect with others depends on your unique gifts. From brief encounters to interacting with our closest friends and family members, we have the opportunity to really make a difference in someone’s life by making a true connection.

You can choose connecting as a way of life. By consistently reaching out to others, you not only enhance the quality of their lives, but you also ensure a consistent feeling of unity for yourself.

There are small and large ways to initiate connections with strangers, colleagues or acquaintances - going out of your way to smile, say “hello,” introduce yourself and others, offer assistance or include someone in an invitation. With friends and family, you can take time to listen, celebrate a win, offer support, focus on what’s important to the other person or extend a hug and an “I love you.”

Make a commitment to yourself right now to choose to live from knowing we are all One. Act accordingly. Make reaching out and connecting a priority.

When you live from a commitment to connecting, you don’t feel alone when the wind blows. Knowing you give and receive support as a way of life, you will find it much easier to weather the wind, rather than trying to do it alone.

I am so grateful for Ann Strong, her commitment to knowledge sharing and her willingness to let me use and adapt her series on “Steady in the Wind” for our Spiritual Solutions readers. Here Ann gives three examples of Connecting:

“Sometimes I think my friend Rachelle knows everyone in Denver. Could she possibly know almost 3 million people? Probably not, yet I have noticed that opportunities constantly come her way. She connects with every one she meets and creates a direct correlation between the connections she makes and the opportunities she welcomes. And, she’s one of the most consistently happy people I know. The people I run into who know her, always tell me a story about something wonderful that she said to them or did for them. Rachelle exudes connecting in the very best sense.”

“One of my clients has been helping her sister mend a rift with one of her other sisters. Last week, both sisters called her without knowing the other had called to tell her how much better things felt between them and to thank her for her support and suggestions. The sisters feel good and my client feels great, knowing she made an important contribution to creating an opening, a healing and a re-connection.”

“I generally don’t like parties. I prefer spending time with people one-on-one. I recently chose to spread my party wings a bit when my friend Sharon asked me to help her hostess a party. I decided I could have fun and nicely connect if I made a point of doing it one-on-one. It worked amazingly well!

“I had a fabulous time at the party by focusing on people one at a time. I met a woman who has since become a client. I also met another woman whom I knew could create a nice business alliance with one of my clients, so I hooked them up. Instead of feeling self-conscious about not liking parties, I concentrated on really connecting with people one at a time. Wow, what a difference!”

PRACTICE CONNECTING THIS WEEK

Notice all the opportunities you have to connect, both with people you don’t know and those closest to you.

Choose several situations to begin practicing really connecting.

Record your feelings and outcomes in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Which books, newsletters, people, organizations and experiences have changed your life? How can you more consistently and generously share those resources with others? Are you recording how you feel as you share your knowledge and resources? What new opportunities and possibilities are coming your way?

CONTINUE PRACTICING GENEROSITY

How are you being more generous with your time, money, energy and resources? How do you feel living more generously? What new opportunties and possibilities are coming your way?

CONTINUE PRACTICING DETACHMENT

How consistently do you KNOW that your good comes from one source only - God? That you serve on God’s payroll? Can you completely focus on the other person’s situation and needs, rather than your own? Are you recording in your evidence journal what happens by focusing on detachment?

CONTINUE PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Are you making entries in your gratitude journal daily? How are you doing with looking for something about which you can be grateful even in challenging situations? Are you recording in your evidence journal what happens by focusing on gratitude even in tough situations?

CONTINUE PRACTICING OPENNESS

In what situations can you brainstorm several possible new ways to proceed? If you get stuck, ask a friend or colleague to help you brainstorm options. Record your findings and opportunities in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING AWARENESS

Several times this week, check in with yourself. How do you feel, physically and emotionally? What will make you feel even better? Look for opportunities. Talk about what feels most exciting to you. Ask for what you want. Find out what others need. Give it to them. Record your findings in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMITMENT

Have you written your commitment for your life? Are you recording evidence in your journal that supports your commitment?

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMANDING

What have you chosen to command or claim? Are you recording evidence in our journal? What is showing up for you?

CONTINUE PRACTICING VISIONING

Whenever you feel stuck, do you write out a vision? Are you tracking evidence for all your visions?

CONTINUE PRACTICING DEEP LISTENING

Are you integrating both deep listening within and deep listening to others into your natural, regular routine?

CONTINUE PRACTICING YOUR OBSERVER ROLE

Is observation becoming a natural part of your life and work?

Next week, you will receive Lesson Twelve: Kindness.

Until then, have fun with connecting, knowledge sharing, generosity, detachment, gratitude, openness, awareness, commitment, commanding, visioning, listening deeply and observing.

God is Blessing You, Right Now!

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham
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Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, Spiritual Solutions or go directly to the Spiritual Solutions Blog

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