Loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.  The question of connection haunts us.  Our age of acceleration has magnetically pulled us into digital spaces, with the promise of connection, yet it never satiates.  Our quest leaves us hollow.  We spend addictive amounts of time on social media, texting, and emailing, yet our hundreds of digital friends don’t improve our well-being.

The well of being, how can we fill it?

Perhaps, in order to experience more connection, all we have to do is realize we are truly connected, already.  What if it is just a shift in our perceptions to focus on the exquisite lacework of humanity.

One of the most challenging concepts for me to unfold is an understanding of our interconnectedness around the globe.  Despite my long-time friends from all over the continent of Africa, those who live with me in North America and those who are in Africa, I wonder if we truly can fathom ‘belonging’ to a global village?

Recently, I asked a group of brilliant children, about the similarities and differences of the two little girls in these pictures.

Northern Uganda

Western Canada

The children could quickly name the similarities: love of a mother close by, the serious eyes, and the similar age.  They also could see the differences in clothing, skin colour, and health.

Yet, I know both of these little girls, I’ve held both in my arms, and I wonder how they are connected.  Let’s muse together…