“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel, seen, heard, and valued; they can give and receive without judgment, and when they derive sustenance and strength from a relationship” - Brene Brown.
As I love that quote so much - with Self Connection we just reverse that quote onto ourselves.
How can you cultivate that same feeling towards yourself daily?
I had one of these Self Connection moments this week that illustrates the point for me :
During the evacuation of the fire alarm in my apartment block. I met a great like-minded guy called Harrison. What’s weird is I’ve met two really great people this year through fire alarms. Both times, I’ve felt scared of being judged because I thought I had set them off. As a recent friend, Athena would say - it felt like cosmic irony.
First I met the enthusiastic aspiring doctor and entrepreneur Obert.
This time it was a passionate poet Harrison.
Harrison and I had a great in-depth discussion about life. I loved seeing his enthusiasm and knowledge around poetry. I’ve found time and time again, when you show a genuine curiosity is that thing that lights someone up, it’s amazing what you can learn about yourself.
We ended up having lunch together and he explained to me “that poetry can be like entertaining philosophy, Liam.”
Inspired by his passion and insights. He ignited the 10-year-old in me who used to love writing poetry. Yet, I had never tried to write a poem since then. My lame excuse was to be honest, as I thought it was too girly or feminine when I went to my all-boys school. (Lesson in uncovering my truth - not others)
I decided to give poetry a shot and bring to life the Philosophy of what The Constant Student Community means to me. (Current purposeful project I’m involved with)
So I reversed the connection quote onto myself by Brene Brown. I Gave myself space and time without judgment to explore. I ended up enjoying it and feeling deeply connected to myself whilst writing the Poem. Now here it is.
The Memento Mori Story - Constant Student 3.
The Constant Student learns from everyone,
Most importantly our Audience of None,
Not just someone who has already won or authoritarian,
We learn through doing, experience and action.
We used to do it on our own,
Feeling isolated and alone,
Yet now like the song of Bob Marley,
We all remember and embody - don't worry.
We let go of doubts that keep us small,
We always listen to our inner call,
So that we can serve the good of all,
As we lift others up and let loneliness fall.
We foster magical creativity,
Whilst keeping our humility,
We find a connection in our truthful tribe,
And challenge each other through a positive vibe.
We Build.
We Create.
We Collaborate.
We embrace the beauty of uncertainty,
With a present moment mentality,
We follow the thousand doors journey,
As we know our potential has no boundary.
Even though we think long term and are driven,
We appreciate the life we have been given,
We organize unity amongst diversity,
To take action to our destiny.
We play a positive-sum game,
Whilst letting go of any guilt, fear, and shame,
We work diligently to master our craft,
Yet don't forget to play and laugh.
We educate and optimize the whole human,
Through Passion, People, Projects, and our Acumen,
We let go of our jealousy,
As we know it's ultimately illusory.
We love ourselves and are our own best friends,
This helps others and us feel the flow and transcend.
We feel like we finally belong,
To bring out our own beautiful song.
We are honest with ourselves,
Against mindless conformity, we rebel,
The way we feel most superior,
Is by feeling peaceful in our own interior.
We follow legends of the non - linear,
Through not taking pride in being busier,
We always create time,
To manifest our hearts greatest design.
We learn from our failure,
As it's just trying to teach us a new behavior.
We know a rising tide lifts all boats,
We live it daily, to us, it's not just another one of those forgotten and feel-good motivational quotes.
As we follow our own interests and curiosity,
It provides us with endless prosperity.
We will all eventually be wealthy,
As we continue to value being healthy.
We foster our talent for deep thinking,
Whilst fellow students stop us from playing small and shrinking.
We change through present moment awareness,
As that's the path that truly transforms us.
We gain the most control,
Through following our soul.
We know we have to face our deepest fears,
To live our most fulfilling and meaningful careers.
We are recommended to read Anothony De - Mellow,
As Joe said he was a wise fellow,
Also to find our Scotts,
So that they can help us connect the dots.
We find where our interests, passions, and love converges,
So that our truest self emerges.
We were inspired to make a ruckus,
As after Seth and Taylor’s generosity, we continued to go upas,
Now just imagine,
What can happen?
As we all continue to pass the baton,
Old boring education will soon be forgotten.
To do your best,
Is a constant students only test,
There is no boring assignment or exam,
Here you learn and dance to your own jam.
We remember memento mori,
So that we can live true to our life story,
We ask ourselves what would I do if I died in 5 years?
So that in our final moments we leave with peaceful and joyous tears.
So here we open doors for others,
as we love them like family, sisters, and brothers.
Thanks for reading. I would love to hear your thoughts on self-connection?
Uncover Your Truth
Liam.
Does William Shakespeare endorse this poetry? 😉