Creating Peace from the Inside Out: The Power of Connection – Day 5

I am participating in another Deepak & Oprah Meditation Experience. This meditation experience is about finding deeper connections and understanding with people and oneself. Please follow along on my journey to healthier and happier life.

Coming Out of the Disconnect

Think of someone you have a hard time genuinely connecting with, whether among family, friends, or co-workers. This can be a person you have mixed feelings about, whom you avoid, or who irritates you. Doing your best to be objective, write down one positive quality this person has, such as being a good parent to their child, or being a hard worker.

My oldest sister Robin and I don’t connect at all. I do love my sister very much, she is strong and hardworking. Life has not been easy for her but she keeps going. She is also a great mom who loves and nurtures her children.

Now, keeping in mind the positive quality this person has, write down one small step you can take to start healing the discord and bring peace to the relationship. For example, you could compliment an irritating coworker’s photo of their child on their desk, or tell a family member with whom you don’t always get along with that you admire their work ethic. Take it slow as you approach creating a genuine connection.

I could actually reach out to talk to my sister since I haven’t really spoken to her since July 2015!

To aid this process, close your eyes and visualize yourself and the person you are disconnected from. Imagine a bond of the pure light of peace drawing you together. Watch as you slowly approach each other. If there is a bump or a negative feeling, sit quietly and let it pass. Don’t force anything, just proceed comfortably for a couple minutes. Now, journal about how this exercise made you feel – less angry, unburdened? Consider repeating this visualization each day, watching the two of you come closer every time. Eventually, imagine facing this person with mutual smiles. Can you actually embrace? That is your goal.

Stressed, I love my sister but she can be very blunt and combative and she doesn’t hold her tongue on anything. Thinking about reaching out and trying to talk to her feels like I’m asking for her to rip my head off.

Use this space to reflect further on your experience today.

We’ll see how calling my sister goes.