Over the last few weeks division has been a theme. It feels more vital than ever to connect with one another. Not even to bridge divides, for now, but simply to come together with existing communities and strengthen bonds with like-minded people.
We’re in a loneliness epidemic. We’re all “connected” through “social” media but what that really means is way less quality time spent with others. And way more time spent snuggling up with our phones, tablets and TVs. You already know this. This is nothing new.
But it also actually IS new. Very new, relatively speaking. Humans have been around for thousands of years. But the first iPhone came out just seventeen years ago. Think about that. Smartphones are not even old enough to vote, and yet they’re running our lives.
Forget about Democrats vs. Republicans. What about Man vs. Machine? In this digital age, our technology is using the same strategy on us that the Republicans used on the Democratic party: divide and conquer. We need new responses to the division caused by mass digital addiction.
First we need to tend to the ways we are fractured within ourselves, cut off from our own bodies and hearts. There’s a kind of disembodiment that results from spending our whole day staring at a light-up screen. I believe that the more we integrate our own bodies, hearts and minds, the more harmony we can achieve with others.
Lots of people are waking up to the urgency of getting back in touch with their bodies. New trends are arising to meet the need for more body intelligence, like somatic therapy, family systems therapy, and sober dance parties. The ancient medical systems of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine understand the interconnection of body, mind, emotions, and the world. So does midwifery. Awareness about the importance of embodiment is growing, but it’s still relatively fringe. And once you know what to do, there’s still the problem of going against the grain to actually do it.
We experience disconnection within us, but the digital world also fractures us socially. When was the last time you asked someone for directions? That joke about how men don’t like asking for directions is obsolete because no one ever has to anymore. That may sound insignificant, but it’s one of countless examples of our interdependence being outsourced to the cloud. Why ask your mom for a recipe when you can google it? Now you’ve lost a reason to call her. And she’s lost an opportunity to share something with you. And you’ve both lost a reason to connect.
Doesn’t it feel like it’s getting harder and harder just to get a bunch of people in a room together? Why is everyone always so busy? Where is everyone? They’re scrolling. Or watching TV or playing video games or absorbed in some other screen-mediated distraction. Even if you do manage to get a group together, the next challenge is paying attention to each other long enough to have a conversation, with our shortened attention spans resisting the seductive pull of a nearby smartphone.
It feels more essential to gather than ever before. For me personally, being with friends, family and spiritual community is foundational to being healthy and happy, especially in times of turmoil.
That’s why I’m starting a new offering called Pregnancy Circles, to bring people together around the shared experience of pregnancy. Pregnancy Circles are a free community offering for these trying times. They’re modeled on a traditional women’s circle or moon circle. In each meeting we’ll meditate, and then each person will have a turn to share how things are going for them in their life and their pregnancy.
Being in the circle is a simple, powerful way to tune in to your inner wisdom and find comfort in the company of those who are going through the same thing. The first Circle starts December 5th. We’ll meet weekly on Thursday nights for three weeks. Then we’ll have a break and start the next Circle in January.
Pregnancy has been around a lot longer than iPhones. So has the ritual of gathering in a circle to share wisdom. Let’s get together to practice interdependence, reflection, and ritual. The circle is YOU. Hope to see you there!
Upcoming Events at Cosmic Egg Birth
December Pregnancy Circle
Thursdays 8pm-9:30pm ET, 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19
Winter Mindful Birth Immersion Course
Thursdays 7pm-9:30pm ET, January 30th, February 6th, 13th & 20th
February Pregnancy Circle
Tuesdays 8pm-9:30pm ET, 2/4, 2/11 & 2/18
March/April Pregnancy Circle
Tuesdays 8pm-9:30pm ET, 3/18, 3/25 & 4/1
Spring Mindful Birth Immersion Course
Thursdays 7pm-9:30pm ET, March 13th, 20th & 27th, April 3rd
Instagram: @cosmic.egg.birth