Connection to family?

[tristan]

As a function of our modern culture, we are disconnected from each other, our family, our children and even ourselves. I tend to work too much and not connect. We all need a little reminder to stop, change direction, and look directly into the eyes of a loved family member and connect with them.

[RiverWolf]

I agree.  Our disconnect seems to gain momentum as we loose our rituals and ceremonies, too.  I remember when I was a kid we had "Family Night" every Wed. night.  You had to get your homework done by 6pm and be home for Family Night.  Back then...yeah...it may have been a pain in my butt from time to time...especially when I got older and wanted to be with my friends.  But, deep inside, I also wanted to look forward to that.  It kept my crazy teenage life organized and it was a chance we all could connect, share, vent, love, and just "be."  One discipline that still provides rites of initiation, ceremonies, connection, community, and rituals is the Martial Arts.  I think it is a wonderful discipline for everyone. 

One more note:  I also think as we use the more "I"....we will become more and more disconnected.  I have Native American blood on both sides of my family and it was told to me countless times...we are a WE family. 

Blessings to you all,
River Wolf

[Jessica]

Oh, I so resonate with what River Wolf says.  It reminds me of times from my childhood, and reminds me that I have not perpetuated those connecting family times with my own family. But I realise it is never too late to bring these activities back, and add new meaning to our lives.

Funny, isn't it that it can take just reading someone else's thoughts to prompt us to action.

What I have found is that the slow movement is very complex. There are so many different facets of our lives that have become fast or disconnected - and we don't even realise till we stop and think or hear someone else's views.

Thanks River Wolf. You have shown me a facet I can change.

[dreamdays]

I absolutely agree.  It is so important to have a strong social network and I just dont have that right now.  I feel like its hard nowadays.  How can you meet people when everyone is on  their cell phone?  And sometimes I feel that people are so disconnected that they arent even looking to meet other people.  But I agree that this is something that needs to change and it has to start with us.  That makes me want to go write some (handwritten) letters now.

[Jessica]

Oh, yeah. Don't we all know that feeling of smiling at someone and saying hello, and they act like we don't even exist. They are so preoccupied with their busy life, they don't have time to even smile and say hello to a stranger, let alone spare the time to get to know them.

It's up to us as individuals to break down the barriers and show the value in smiles, hellos, and getting to know new people.

So here are some smiles and hellos from me:   

[manuelrodriguez]

You're right guys... Mostly now, my wife is not here. She went to tenerife spain guia for a conference meeting. That was 1 month. And we can talk through phones and chatting a while...