🔼: [[⭐️ Emotions]], [[☀️ Self-Energy#Qualities of Self-Energy|☀️ Qualities of Self-Energy]] ##### Connection > "*We are like islands in the sea* > *Separate on the surface,* > *but connected in the deep.*" > — William James Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.[^1] When [[💡 Presence|Presence]] is uncovered, we feel connected to and want to be in [[⭐️ Community]] with other people, our [[💡 Parts|Parts]], with the world, and beyond. We can see that we aren't truly separate, that [[🔑 Everything is connected to everything else]]. - The opposite of competition is [[⭐️ Community]] and collaboration. - We are not really strangers - In a world where so few of us feel safe to be ourselves, full of performance and competition, witnessing another person bloom and open as their protectors relax and step aside is a gift. It opens us too. They become more real, and with that we are all less alone. - Reach out to people, just because you thought of them. Similar Qualities: Openness, Open-Heartedness, Gratitude, Presence ###### Some Opposites of Connection - [[🛡️ People-Pleasing]] - [[🛡️ Performing]] - [[🛡️ Criticizing|🛡️ Judgement]] ###### See Also - [[🔑 Exiles both fear and long for connection]] - [[🔑 We need both Compassion and Empathy]] - [[🔑 At any given moment, there are other people meditating]] - [[💡 Sympathetic Joy|Sympathetic Joy]] - [[🔑 The opposite of Protection is Connection]] - [[🔑 Tell and act the truth]] - We can have inner-connection through [[⭐️ Parts Work]] and outer connection through [[⭐️ Community]] and [[⭐️ Relationships]] - [[💡 Relational Intimacy|Intimacy]] - [[💡 Self-Intimacy|Self-Intimacy]] - [[🕯️ Authenticity]] [^1]: [[📖 ✅ Atlas of the Heart (Show)]] Episode 1 [^3]: [[📖 ✅ IFS Online Circle]] [^4]: [[📖 ✅ Atlas of the Heart (Show)]] Episode 5