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Community/Connection

We've reached the upper half of the circle of 8. Community and connection lie at the base of the upper circle. In combination, they are the base/core of a true spirituality. Connection is the act of eliminating separation and the process of coming together with another of our comrades on this journey of life. The overcoming of separation and isolation is one of the true goals in life and therefore a major component of health. Connecting with our brothers and sisters can be extremely challenging given how different we can be on the surface of things. Overcoming color, culture and personality differences is certainly not easy. Breaking through the walls which separate us--our differences--and coming to respect, honor and even like our fellow travelers requires a willingness and a capacity for understanding, empathy and patience. However, the prize is truly magnificent. A relationship; a kinship; a partnership. If one is fortunate enough and willing to work with the inherent challenges, a community can even form whereby more than 2 separate selves brave the chasm and come into relationship. When a common goal or doctrine brings the group together, the community tightens and strengthens. Much can be overcome when a common purpose unites a group.

In my view, connection and community are every bit as important as food and water. They may not provide chemical substrate for life but they provide vital elements that make life worth living. While we in America value the "rugged individualist", this image is really not what we aspire to. While individual accomplishment and strength are great, there is an energy and elevation that evolve out of relationship that cannot be reached by any individual effort. The power of connection and community is what drives us as humans and us as part of the animal kingdom. When an "I" becomes "we", there is magic and a higher level of life.

The illusion of separateness is quite easy to see and focus on as we each inhabit or own bodies. However, there is a commonality which yearns for bridging and connecting that is very much a part of our circuitry. Finding the connection and overcoming the separation is very much what our lives are all about. At the end of the day, what we remember and value is what brings us together NOT what makes us separate. Connection and community are who we are and remembering this and pursuing this brings us to health as much as any other factor.

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