Journal of Sacred Work

“The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another.”- Thomas Merton 

Watch; experience, enjoy.

This delightful video illustrates the simple but illuminating power of human connection. What a clever way to motivate people to stretch beyond the confines of self to enjoy a moment of warmth, amid the brisk chill of a Canadian winter.

 Just a little willingness to reach out to a fellow human being in an act of trust and sparks of camaraderie ignite to warm one another’s soul. This cooperative effort creates a synergy that inspires laughter and joy.  Suddenly, the boundary between self and other dissolves into a bond of “we are in this together” versus you or me, us or them, as isolation is transformed through unity.

 A purposeful activity engages people in a common goal. When a family member becomes a caregiver to a loved one, they may find it the most difficult, yet the most meaningful experience of their life.

Similarly, when a nurse (or team member) enters the life of a patient and family in need, they may find it very challenging as well as deeply rewarding. We learn how to love from those we encounter. We learn that there is joy among sorrow, calm amidst chaos, peace in acceptance, and gratitude in caring.

 Although this video is a commercial, I love how they created an experience of connection that is light hearted and fun. Do you see the joy that emanates from their faces? I wonder how far their warmth will travel. Did you feel it?

Contributed by Liz Sorensen Wessel

Mandala by ~liz