No man is an island. But even as an island we would remain undeniably tied to everyone and everything around us. There’s one breath – the breath of God flowing through us all and connecting us all.
As much as we value our independence, our life does not take place in a vacuum and disconnected from those around us.
For instance, we all experience a sense of loss when someone dies.
Naturally, this is felt more intensely with someone close. But even with those we don’t know as well, death can still hit hard as some part of us also dies.
Our shared grief reminds us of our shared connection.
Somehow this life is part of my life. And at least for a brief moment I remember the one Breath we share.
Family members are often surprised at a funeral to see just how many lives their loved one touched.
We tend to forget how much a sincere smile or pleasant greeting can make someone’s day. But what we take for granted has an impact on others all the same.
For better or worse, we share together in this one life and our lives are connected to each other. We are one body made alive through one Breath.
And a body that wars against itself is full of dis-ease. But a body that loves well experiences much healing and peace.
Remembering our deep connection with others is part of our practice of love. Every interaction, and our very presence, has a ripple effect on the world around us.
Like yeast, our practice of love slowly permeates the whole.
One breath connects us all.
Let this stir your heart of compassion and practice of love throughout your life and relationships.
Photo by Ishan Gupta on Unsplash
