Connections Here, Connections There

After a fun, sassy, thought-provoking evening with a friend, my mind is swirling this morning with thoughts about connecting. Connecting with others: friends, family, colleagues, strangers, and everyone in between. Connecting with myself. Connecting with something bigger, a Higher Power. I realized that although I've felt lonely in the midst of bustling city streets, there are some moments where I've felt connected. I felt connected to strangers as we smiled at each other, tentatively negotiating our way through icy streets on my very first morning here; to the folks at the video store when they asked me what I thought of a specific movie; and to the guy at the coffee shop who suggested another blend I might enjoy based on my choice that day.

What makes a connection? Is it eye contact? Is it presence? Genuineness? Intent? All of the above? Whether it's for an evening, a lifetime or a split-second glance, I bet you opportunities for connections abound if we want them. Perhaps it's just a question of opening ourselves up to receive them.