Favorite Inspiring Quotes
Connection
Commentary by Peter Shepherd

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued. When they can give and receive without judgment. And when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship. Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.” ~ Brené Brown
As Nancy Rynes says, "We must continually cultivate our communities much as we would cultivate and nurture a garden. Seedlings will wither if not watered properly. So too will our communities of support if we ignore them. We must actively participate in the lives of our friends and loved ones, we must lend a hand when others need help, and also allow them to help us if we're to build a strong center of support."
“Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.” ~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Love leads to connection and oneness, acceptance and compassion. It's the path we need to take, both to survive and to evolve. It's the path that more and more people are taking.
“Although we seem to be separate individuals, in reality we are all expressions of one primal imagination. We assume we are many, but in fact we are one. And what we do to each other we do to ourselves.” ~ Timothy Freke
Love is what we feel when we realize we are one - separate players in the game of life but joined together in essence, sharing our space. Intimacy is not purely physical. It's the act of connecting with someone so deeply, you feel like you can see into their soul.
“None of us can exist in isolation. Our lives and existence are supported by others in seen and unseen ways, be it by parents, mentors or society at large. To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them, and to strive to give something back to society in a spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live.” ~ Daisaku Ikeda
Love, belonging and connection are the universal sources of true well-being.
“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 Wheatley
As Nancy Rynes says, "At our cores, people are pretty much the same across the world. We have differences on the surface, such as skin color, political leanings or culture, but beneath all of that we're more similar than different. We want to love and be loved. We want to raise our kids to have better lives than we had. We feel compassion for others who are hurt or struggling. We want to help those who need help. We feel pain and grieving during times of loss, and revel in joy at the birth of our children. And most of us follow some kind of spiritual or philosophical path that often emphasizes love, compassion, and service to others."
