March 22, 2020: Reaching Out In Times of Uncertainty
The past few weeks dealing with the impact of a world pandemic have coined a new term and advice for our daily life….social distancing. Recommendations from health experts tell us to avoid public places, large gatherings and distance ourselves from others. But as humans we are social beings, and forced isolation seems contrary to what our hearts tell us.
Yet, in reality, our lives are often so busy, with multiple distractions and responsibilities, limited time prevents us from reaching out and connecting with our friends and families as frequently as we would hope to do.
Liz, a close friend, shared the thought that this time home, with less distractions can provide us with the motivation and opportunity to reconnect and reinforce those bonds of caring and friendship that sustain us. She called it “undistancing ourselves, where we can “intentionally reach out to friends and family that might need words of encouragement.” Especially during times of uncertainty like the world is experiencing now, these connections can be vital beams of light.
We’re fortunate with modern technology that it is easier than ever before to create and maintain connections. Maybe not as satisfying as an “in person” visit, but it’s a bridge of communication that sends message of care. From phone calls and social media to writing cards and actual skyping, we have a myriad of ways to support each other. Even the funny FB posts are a way of helping each others through a difficult time with humor.
I’m actively looking for acts and sources of positivity and beauty in our world. Modern technology yielded a treasure trove of quotes on the importance of these bridges of community connections and being positive. I’ve been incorporating some into my photographs and posting them in hopes to share light on the power of hope and positivity. This seeking of positivity has expanded to our jewelry business. For example, our Giveaway this month asks for inspiring and reassuring quotes to share with our community. If you have ones that strike a chord in your heart, we would love to share them as well.
Additional Quotes to Inspire and Sustain
“When we seek for connection, we restore the world to wholeness. Our seemingly separate lives become meaningful as we discover how truly necessary we are to each other.”
-Margaret J. Wheatley
“We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.”
-Tim McGraw
“We need Joy as we need air. We need Love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.”
-Maya Angelou
“Each one of us is responsible for the whole of humankind. We need to think of each other really as brothers and sisters and to be concerned for each other’s welfare. Rather than working solely to acquire wealth, we need to do something meaningful, something directed seriously towards the welfare of humanity as a whole.”
-Dalai Lama
“Holiness grows so fast where there is kindness. The world is lost for want of sweetness and kindness. Do not forget we need each other.”
Mother Teresa
“We need each other, deeper than anyone ever dares to admit even to themselves. I think it is a genetic imperative that we huddle together and hold on to each other. There is no question in my mind that there is nothing else in life, really, than friendship.”
-Patch Adams
“Being human, we are imperfect. That’s why we need each other. To catch each other when we falter. To encourage each other when we lose heart. Some may lead; others may follow; but none of us can go it alone.”
Hillary Clinton
“In times like these, we need each other. We must bond together in spirit and in service.”
-Michael Jackson
“We’re connected, as women. It’s like a spiderweb. If one part of that web vibrates, if there’s trouble, we all know it, but most of the time we’re just too scared, or selfish, or insecure to help. But if we don’t help each other, who will?”
=Sarah Addison Allen
“The fact is, we need help, and we need each other.”
Kris Carr
“Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.”
-Norm Rice
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”
-John Holmes
“Human beings are communal beings and we can’t exist or prosper by ourselves. We need each other’s support.”
Gloria Steinem
“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.”
Vera Nazarian
During this time of retreat, how do you maintain connections and positivity?