As humans, we’ve been designed with our very own unique blueprint. We come from diverse ethnicities or cultures, and practice different religions, along with differentiating social & political constructs.
Each and every one of our divine essence is beautifully crafted, but one aspect connects us all. Our human spirit traverses this earthly journey, with the desire to connect , belong & feel heard.
We aspire to live a meaningful intentional life of purpose. Doing so from a position of unconditional acceptance, love, kindness & understanding.
This article was prompted after attending a “Friendship Bench”. An incredible community of humans whom I met during a period where many felt disconnected during Covid. I boldly prefer naming the group as a soul movement! Each week a group of strangers (souls) from around the globe meet. The demographics, achievements, titles, or roles are so diversified, yet so interconnected. Highly educated professionals, writers & successfully published authors, speakers & many others in very senior positions. Then equally others who might not have any high-profile careers, degrees, or accomplishments.
What’s so beautiful to witness, is that every single individual is granted more than simply a virtual seat at the “virtual bench or table”. This type of honouring is the most authentic purest form I’ve ever encountered! Each person met with respect regardless of their status or titles.
Some might not feel the need to speak up, preferring to listen and hold a sacred safe space for others sharing their stories & life testimonies. Others articulate their compassion, feelings, emotions, and empathy in the chats.
Tonight I felt called to join the call after not being able to for a while due to either time zone differences or work/family commitments. I joined a few minutes late. Oh boy but was I grateful to be gifted with a heartfelt rendition of a song. It was written by one of the many humble down to earth-wise sages in the community. The theme was about our mothers! It was so touching, I felt it to the core & depth of my soul. I could connect, see, feel & relate to every word. When Mac finally shared the meaning behind the lyrics, it was even harder to hold back my tears, as there was so much resonance.
What unfolded thereafter, was a sight to behold. Whilst some met previously & others not, other than through LinkedIn’s platform, tonight we were unified and one with each other. Our souls met one another, with no judgement, simply feeling the anguish, sadness, and pain endured as if it were every single one of ours to bear. An outpouring of sincere recognition! To those expressing their deepest grief & gratitude for being able to endure, remaining resilient & persevering in their pursuit to overcome.
The sacredness of a gathering like this cannot be truly articulated, but rather felt. We find ourselves in another’s stories, even whilst being worlds apart.
The most salient departure point is how vital it is for us to meet one another from the soul’s perspective. Here we see only truth, no deception or illusions.
We are more similar than we want to admit. The magic lies in affording one another the freedom to express, to feel heard, understood & acknowledged. Doing so from a place of validating the other as an equal when being vulnerable, not attaching criticism, disgust, labels or shame. Vulnerability is praised, in a manner where everyone demonstrates a keen curiosity to honour, know and learn more.
Wouldn’t our world be a better place where we live in harmony seeing one another’s souls as no different to ours?
Deep gratitude to Dennis and the team for cultivating spaces for others to have a safe place where their voices matter! To others sitting on the outskirts of the bench, what are you waiting for, join this wonderful movement for the greater good of your soul & humanity!
Aneesa, so good to have you at Bench every time you can make it. I think I speak for the community when I say you should share your thoughts and aspirations with us. We’re always happy to see you, and I personally wonder what you may think of various concepts and ideas. Thanks for writing, please keep Benching with us.