overview
Global society faces unprecedented change, in living conditions, economic displacement, information and technology, and our natural environment. On one hand, we have seen amazing social evolution over the decades with technology allowing the individual to stay connected to families, information, and all points global. And yet with this pervasive means of connection we find profound loneliness, isolation, and an epidemic of depression and suicide. How can we make the connections that support a mutual flourishing?
We examined the kinds of connections that transcend our individual selves, and reach our inner desire to be part of an interconnected world… perhaps to transform our current sense of the individual, community, and society, from independent to interdependent. More specifically, we examined connection across the primary aspects of our lives – with:
- Self, and the many selves in our amazing neural networks
- Others, and the multiple communities we intersect
- Nature, and the breadth of life forms that surround us
This year’s forum was designed not only to broaden curiosity, but to appreciate the energy that can only emerge with connection. It was our attempt to leave attendees with more questions than they came in with and to provide methods to cultivate connection and make ourselves and our planet more alive, healthier and happier.
