Wellness Wisdom Stories

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.

In response to Natalies Day 6 challenge I am not sure whom I would seek out as a mentor and be able to think up a question to ask in relation to live a freedom lifestyle. I have however, written an email to Don, the 80 year old in my group and asked him “How do you see being an environmental/spiritual activist align with having a business that supports a lifestyle that allows me time to meditate, do yoga, surf, and travel whilst remain true to my authentic self and serve the needs of the planet as well? Are you able to give me any advice on how to combine my aims of having a business that aligns with the work we aspire to do?” Don has a website with a formula I would love you to read; 7 plus 2 Formula.

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 6