How to save the world
A tangible, sustainable approach; the antidote to anxiety, overwhelm, & dread
In my last post, I discussed how and why I believe that humans being Disconnected is the root cause for all the pain & suffering in the world.
I posited that Connection then is the panacea to our world’s ailments.
Connection is how you and I can “save the world” in a tangible, sustainable way.
Before I get into the meat of this post, it feels relevant for me to mention…
I really fucking struggle with the state of the world.
I can see the brokenness in all of our systems.
I can feel the injustice, pain, and suffering this creates.
And that can be a lot.
It’s often overwhelming, exhausting, and infuriating.
I’m human & it hurts.
I write to talk myself off the ledge of rage & cynicism.
I write because I need to hear this just as much as you or anyone else.
Okay.
Let’s take a deep breath of all that heavy energy innn…
…and big exhale releasing it outtt.
Thank you for receiving that. It felt meaningful for you to have some context.
Now,
Let’s get into how we can each save the world in a feasible way.
You know you’re a Big Thinker & Deep Feeler if
you see and feel the pain of the world and can’t simply ignore it.
You can’t just go about your life pretending that it doesn’t exist or waiting for someone else to fix it.
However…
It can be equally difficult to know what to do about it or where to start.
Which is why Connection as the solution is a beautiful thing!
We can (and should) save the world through Connection
As I mentioned in my previous post,
Connection is available to us in all moments.
This is a simple truth because all of life is interconnected.
Which means…
We don’t have to go looking for Connection; Connection is part of our True Nature as humans.
To Connect, we simply need to slow down enough to engage with the present moment.
Now - this may feel… boring or inconsequential.
Hang with me! I’m going lay out why this is such a potent truth.
Connection gives you permission to let go of anxiety, overwhelm, & existential dread.
Let me first say that Connection isn’t a magic pill (which is precisely why it isn’t all the rage.) Nothing is going to completely take away the heaviness of our many painful realities. Emotional resiliency is a major part of this work. (More on increasing our emotional and nervous system capacity in a future post!)
That said,
Knowing that you are making a difference via Connecting can go a long way in releasing the guilt of “I’m not doing enough.”
You can take solace in knowing that you’re consistently making a meaningful impact.
By focusing on Connection, you can let the weight of the world off of your shoulders. *ahhh*
Connection allows you to manage your energy so that you don’t burnout.
Burnout (mental/emotional/physical/spiritual) is very common for Big Thinkers & Deep Feelers intent on making a difference.
This is worst case scenario.
Your energy is precious - it is the lifeblood of all that you have to offer the world.
We need you and that beautiful energy of yours.
Embracing Connection as a framework to save the world is the antidote to burnout.
“Managing your energy” is a fancy (more accurate & helpful!) phrase I started using in my life coaching business that is more or less synonymous with “balance.”
Who wouldn’t want to change the world while having balance?
Connection actively improves your quality of life rather than detract from it.
Now it just feels like we’re talking about pure magic.
How cool is it that making the world a better place is supportive of an awesome life rather than some chore to check off of a list or “job” to be done?
After all,
If you can’t enjoy this beautiful life - what’s the point?
Not to mention that a sustainable solution seems fitting, amirite?
Connection creates “micro” impact that compounds over time.
Impact. You want to make sure you’re making an impact, I know!
Connection allows you to do that. All of the time.
You have to understand…
I want do big things. I want to create massive change.
So don’t think I’ve resigned myself - and this framework - to playing small.
Prioritizing Connection allows you and I to be making small, yet meaningful contributions to our impact over the course of our life.
You know how you’re told to start contributing to a 401k when you’re in your early 20’s so that the amount compounds over time? Same basic idea here.
How do these micro impacts compound?
The ripple effect.
Connection ripples through the web of life in a non-trivial way.
The act of Connecting encourages further Connection.
What is Connection??
“I get it Ben, Connection is the bee’s knees… (nature pun ftw ;P)
What is it?? How am I supposed to implement it?”
Connection is what is truly real.
Nature (humans, animals, plants, water, air, etc.) is what is real.
Connection is the act of engaging with what is real.
Connecting requires slowing down and engaging with the present moment.
Connection is…
Enjoying a sunset
Reading a good book
Apologizing to your partner after an argument
Petting your dog
Taking a walk outside
Watching the birds in your yard
Asking the cashier how their day is going
Encouraging a friend
Closing your eyes & taking a few deep breaths
Painting, singing, writing
Holding the door for a stranger
Stargazing
Dancing
Cooking
Savoring a meal
Now…
Before you scroll down & close this out…
I want you to really consider the above.
Close your eyes. Feel into the energy of these.
Can you feel how this is what is truly real?
Can you see how being more intentional about moments like these might make a difference?
Can you see how, moment by moment, we might be able to change the world by (Re)Connecting with ourselves, others, and nature?
Imagine Connection started to blossom & spread.
Connecting doesn’t have to be the only thing we do to save the world, but it sure feels like a good place to start.
For further consideration…
These can be used as prompts for further contemplation, journaling, or discussion points.
My thoughts are just a starting point.
What do you think & feel?
I’d love to hear from you if you’d like to share. Feel free to leave a comment!
Can you feel how Connection is what is truly real?
Can you see how being more intentional about moments of Connection might make a difference?
Can you see how, moment by moment, we might be able to change the world by (Re)Connecting with ourselves, others, and nature?
How do you want to implement more Connection in your life? Come up with at least 3 things. (For bonus points, come up with one for each: yourself, others, nature.)