How do we connect in times of ongoing stress, global uncertainty and existential dread ? How do we open doors to start conversations that go beyond the drudgery of our day-to-day routines?
In one of her letters, Esther Perel reflects on how the pandemic has changed her life and that of her friends. Here are some of her questions (and some of mine) to help you initiate the conversations you need in order to feel connected.
- What was an important change that took place around your relationships this year?
- How did you maintain your connections?
- What do you wish you would have done differently to maintain your connections?
- What is a challenge you’ve overcome this year that felt satisfying?
- What new things have you learned?
- Have you surprised yourself?
- What is something that feels sensitive to talk about now?
- What has been most unsettling for you?
- How are you negotiating boundaries at this moment? And reacting to the boundaries of others?
- Have your expectations of friends changed? Have you had fall outs?
- When someone asks you how you’re doing, what do you say?
- What do you wish you could say?
- Have you found a silver lining?
- How do you react to people who try to cheer you up?
- How do you react to people who are weighing you down?
- Do you think the pandemic will have long-term benefits for you and your family?
Let’s ask and listen – openly, with curiosity and an appreciation for the differences each of us brings to this conversation!
If you feel like continuing your conversations go to https://www.juliabellabarba.de/2020/03/27/rituale-in-zeiten-der/
More questions to help you connct? Go to https://www.juliabellabarba.de/2020/04/25/reisen-in-zeiten-der/
Looking for more inspiration? Go to https://estherperel.com/blog
