You know so much about butterflies, Mary!!! Impressive.
And, as Sara often mentions, your photos are exquisite.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs. So classic. I wonder what it might look like if I privileged love and belonging over physiological needs, safety and safety and security needs? Actually if I look closely and think about it deeply they are all interconnected (as everything is.)
One thing I have changed in my behavior that I think falls under the heading of love and belonging is that I endeavor to greet people with a smile and instead of the usual "how are you?" greeting, I've switched it to some version of "nice to see you" (depending if I know the person, or even how well I know that person.) I also make an attempt to learn people's names and remember them. And, when I don't remember I humbly ask for a reminder - - with one neighbor it seriously took me months and numerous times to get his name. So embarrassing. Especially since his name is Barry, which is not a common name and isn't that far off from Lori.
I'd love to think of more behaviors to focus on to bring a greater sense of love and belonging to all the folx I encounter. Curiosity is one I think about. I see and experience others using curiosity. It doesn't always feel like love and belonging. I think it has to be used quite deftly. It doesn't feel quite natural to me to employee broadly, if that makes sense.
Maybe you and other readers will have ideas to share! :-)
Thanks, Lori! And I appreciate your insights. Yes, it's all interconnected! I like the idea of doing away with the standard "how are you?" because it somewhat assumes responses such as "fine" or "good." I heard on a podcast the idea of asking, "How's it being you today?" Slightly better maybe? I think using names is really impactful. We know this from our work as educators.
Curiosity is a good one too! Another one is considering other perspectives, which I wrote about several weeks ago. I'm not necessarily talking about hot topics, like politics. But just understanding that people have different backgrounds and experiences and resources, and then taking that into account when connecting with them.
Here's another conversation that ended up on the wrong post due to my mistake with copying buttons from previous posts.
Michelle P Karon: Another great read! This resonated with me, especially the line about plants needing "space to grow." You reminded me that the basics are necessary (and not a given) and that all levels on the pyramid require intentional attention and maintenance. Whether focusing on individuals, families, communities, or global environments, we all play a role in shaping the spaces that facilitate growth.
Me: Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Michelle! The bottom line is what I didn't say explicitly, but you expressed well: "...we all play a role in shaping the spaces that facilitate growth." I'm tired of so many people being focused primarily on their own personal "success" (ie. material wealth). There's little sense of community or mutuality in many spaces.
You know so much about butterflies, Mary!!! Impressive.
And, as Sara often mentions, your photos are exquisite.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs. So classic. I wonder what it might look like if I privileged love and belonging over physiological needs, safety and safety and security needs? Actually if I look closely and think about it deeply they are all interconnected (as everything is.)
One thing I have changed in my behavior that I think falls under the heading of love and belonging is that I endeavor to greet people with a smile and instead of the usual "how are you?" greeting, I've switched it to some version of "nice to see you" (depending if I know the person, or even how well I know that person.) I also make an attempt to learn people's names and remember them. And, when I don't remember I humbly ask for a reminder - - with one neighbor it seriously took me months and numerous times to get his name. So embarrassing. Especially since his name is Barry, which is not a common name and isn't that far off from Lori.
I'd love to think of more behaviors to focus on to bring a greater sense of love and belonging to all the folx I encounter. Curiosity is one I think about. I see and experience others using curiosity. It doesn't always feel like love and belonging. I think it has to be used quite deftly. It doesn't feel quite natural to me to employee broadly, if that makes sense.
Maybe you and other readers will have ideas to share! :-)
Thanks, Lori! And I appreciate your insights. Yes, it's all interconnected! I like the idea of doing away with the standard "how are you?" because it somewhat assumes responses such as "fine" or "good." I heard on a podcast the idea of asking, "How's it being you today?" Slightly better maybe? I think using names is really impactful. We know this from our work as educators.
Curiosity is a good one too! Another one is considering other perspectives, which I wrote about several weeks ago. I'm not necessarily talking about hot topics, like politics. But just understanding that people have different backgrounds and experiences and resources, and then taking that into account when connecting with them.
Love it! <3
Thanks, Anna! xo
Love this, Mary!! Impressive butterfly showing in your yard ❤️
Thanks for reading, Ann!
Here's another conversation that ended up on the wrong post due to my mistake with copying buttons from previous posts.
Michelle P Karon: Another great read! This resonated with me, especially the line about plants needing "space to grow." You reminded me that the basics are necessary (and not a given) and that all levels on the pyramid require intentional attention and maintenance. Whether focusing on individuals, families, communities, or global environments, we all play a role in shaping the spaces that facilitate growth.
Me: Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Michelle! The bottom line is what I didn't say explicitly, but you expressed well: "...we all play a role in shaping the spaces that facilitate growth." I'm tired of so many people being focused primarily on their own personal "success" (ie. material wealth). There's little sense of community or mutuality in many spaces.