“Stories of intimacy are in the details…the nuance of connection, the way fondness translates into a look, a nod, a smile…” ~ S. Freundlich-Hall
I love this quote. It reminds me to slow down as I connect with others. Amid the craziness of our hectic lives, how often do we blow past, discount, or fail to register the many little gestures that people make conveying tenderness, meaning, or significance? Can you let yourself notice and be touched by a simple act of kindness? Do you appreciate when a friend or loved one really, really looks at you as they engage? Do you let yourself value a moment when someone has gone out of their way for you. Feel that love. The stories of intimacy are in the details. The details matter.
Details offered by someone reveal a lot about their character, and about their capacity for what I call sacred communion. Sacred communion occurs when we intentionally connect in rich, meaningful ways that show another person deep care and respect. Sacred communion can be initiated with the simplest of gestures – putting your phone down, nodding gently in another’s direction, listening with full attention, going out of one’s way to do something nice for someone. Sacred communion can be initiated with a smile, loving touch, or a thoughtful pause that vibrates with fondness. The power we have is in our connection with others, and therefore the nuances of connection matter.
People register nuances all the time. Within seconds of meeting someone we begin processing all sorts of information about what we’re observing. We digest this information quickly to help us know what kind of emotional landscape we are traversing with another. We’re wired to want to keep ourselves safe. A distracted or disinterested glance in another direction signals something completely different that a gentle nod or smile. Let yourself become an expert at giving, and being open to receiving and registering, positive nuances of connection that matter. The stories of intimacy are in the details. Here’s to creating more beautiful ones.
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