Once you have established a deepening connection with your true self, begin to notice the ways you intentionally connect with family the circle of people you encounter day by day. Take an inventory of how you are showing up in these relationships. To connect to greater purpose and meaning through true community, connect to friends and family!
- How do you choose to invest your time and attention in these important relationships?
- Are you bringing your most authentic self to them?
- Are you cultivating a sense of safety and belonging, joy and compassion, trust and happiness within each of these relationships?
Along the Spiral of Connection that includes five connection points to a deepening sense of community and belonging, the second point of connection is to connect with Family and Friends. This might include the family into which you were born and your spouse or significant other and children. It might also include your chosen family—those with whom you have developed a close bond through the years. Friends from your neighborhood, friends from your workplace, friends from church and centers of community, and friends from social networks both offline and online are also included in this category.
Facilitating this connection to the authentic you lies at the very heart of True Center’s mission. October events at True Center support you in cultivating community by connecting to new friends.
>>> Browse All True Center Events Here <<<
Hidden Barriers: Meaningful Connections as You Connect to Family and Friends
Perhaps the greatest perceived barrier to cultivating community through meaningful connections with family and friends is a perceived lack of time. We lead busy, hectic lives, and it does require persistence and patience to set aside quality time for family and friends. It’s easy to overlook the importance of such connections and fall into a predictable pattern of saying we just don’t have time.
The key is to find simple ways to connect, one-to-one and in small groups. Creating containers of protected time that is dedicated to such connections is one helpful practice. Some families and small groups enjoy planning fun events and outings on a regular basis. Consider what you can do to cultivate connections with family members and friends who you value.
“It is important to tend the whole garden so that the entire system is nurtured and flourishes. Because we are all connected we must not overlook any aspect of the whole or the entire system will suffer. To connect to community, connect often and in meaningful ways with family and friends.” ~ Eve Willson
3 Practical Ways to Begin to Cultivate Connection with Family and Friends
Cultivating and tending to the whole garden of our lives does take effort. How can we take practical steps to connect to family and friends for a deeper, more fulfilling experience of community?
#1—Dedicate quality time. Consider setting aside time for each important relationship in your life. Whether you begin with just ten minutes a day or block off time for a weekly adventure quest with a child or get-together with friends, the goal is to bring your full attention to each relationship on a regular basis.
#2—Brush up on your communication skills. Learn to communicate effectively and compassionately in order to avoid or resolve conflicts with those you love. Contact True Center for coaching options or to inquire about upcoming workshops on non-violent communication (NVC), a proven technique for improving communication.
#3—Expand your circle! Widen your circle of family and friends by engaging in new experiences within the community. Meet new people through workshops and events that interest you.
Be sure to join us for the kick-off Community Conversation and free pizza lunch on October 2 to discuss more ways to cultivate connections to community.
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