Connection is Evolving
The way we connect with one another continues to shift, challenging us to adapt. Over the years, we’ve grown accustomed to virtual spaces—finding surprising intimacy through screens but also sensing the absence of something deeper.
Recently, I gathered in person with my mostly remote team, many of whom live in far-flung regions across the globe. Sharing meals, engaging in conversations, and experiencing the unspoken rhythm of being physically present reminded me that connection isn’t just about proximity—it’s about the richness of being truly seen, heard, and held in the fullness of real life.
In-person interactions bring a depth that’s hard to replicate virtually. Sitting together, sharing moments of quiet, or simply eating takeout side by side fosters a kind of vulnerability and engagement that video calls can’t quite match.
Bridging Divides
This gathering was especially meaningful as it followed just days after the U.S. election results—a moment that underscored the divisions and complexities we all navigate. As a team focused on cultivating relational intelligence, we are acutely aware that the strength of our relationships with each other is what enables us to serve our broader community, most of whom we engage with virtually.
Over two days, we collaborated, addressed tensions, and bridged differences with honesty and care. What struck me most was the kindness and respect in every interaction. Moments like these not only achieve the work at hand but also highlight the profound importance of care, respect, and connection in all that we do.
Seeing and Being Seen
There’s a gentle beauty in noticing the small, unspoken moments that can’t be captured through a screen—someone stepping aside to take a call from their child, another lingering to tidy up coffee cups, or the quiet laughter shared in moments of exhaustion.
In a time when many of us are feeling the weight of disconnection—whether politically, relationally, or even within ourselves—coming together can feel both important and precious, though it’s not always easy. Whether it’s attending a work gathering, volunteering in your community, or spending time with family who may not share your views, I encourage you to look for moments of connection, even if they feel a little uncomfortable.
While in-person connection isn’t always possible or necessary, when it does happen, try to approach it with curiosity and kindness, asking more questions than making assumptions. It’s in these thoughtful moments that we rediscover what’s still meaningful, alive, and possible.
