When we make the assumption of non-connection it is very difficult to give people the benefit of the doubt that they care about us and then act accordingly. The assumption of non-connection results in us making up stories about a current situation based on our patterns and beliefs from the past. So the other person/people suddenly become remarkably like our parents, siblings, ex-husbands/wives or any other humans beings who have hurt us or, at least, not engaged in a connected way.

I woke up this morning thinking about the notion of giving and receiving. It seems pretty imperative that we have an equal balance of both capacities. If not, here is what I think happens:

If you are a really good giver – if that is your “role” or your comfort zone, then an imbalance can exist where it becomes very difficult to receive.

And if you are a really good receiver – if that is your role or comfort zone – then an imbalance can exist where it becomes very difficult to give.

I’d like to talk with you today about the necessity of touch. Touch not just for emotional and mental health – though this is essential for our well-being and development – but touch as a conduit for energy that concretizes the reality of community and the reality of each of us as community members.

This is one of those days when humanity, mine and others’, is hitting me in the face like a pillow full of down feathers and those little plastic trolls with hot pink hair.

Plus it’s raining.

So, naturally, I’m thinking about the meaning of it all. Life. Big thoughts. And what I am peeking at is this notion of progress – the idea that we are supposed to always be moving forward, working toward something, accomplishing things.

I had a dream that Yoda came and told me I needed to fly. I easily went up in the air but then couldn’t go anywhere. Yoda flew up next to me and said “Scared you are but fly you must.”

I looked out over the landscape and saw some areas that were lush and verdant and some that were blank white, waiting to be created. The unfinished parts were daunting and I knew there was much possibility, but also a lot of work and it did scare me. So I asked Yoda if he would fly with me. He obliged and we took off.