I have been sitting on this blog post for a week because I’ve been processing a powerful experience to figure out what made it so meaningful to me.
Last week, I had the delight of gathering with almost 30 other women who do similar work as I do. Having been part of the planning team, I can say it was remarkable simply to bring that number of people together, but what struck me – and stuck with me most – was the explosion of connection that was created in less than 48 hours together.
Leading up to the weekend, I had some of the usual pre-event concerns: would people get along? Would they connect? Would they have conversations that mattered?
It turns out, I needn’t have worried.
Coaches often operate within a paradoxical career – many of us work for ourselves, meaning we’re often working alone, but we’re people people. We love talking to people, we love sharing ideas and challenging each other, we love collaborating. And yet…we spend so much of our time alone.
Which meant that this gathering was of paramount importance to me. What surprised, and delighted, me was the intensity of resonance from everyone who joined – they all came with that same ferocious desire to connect and the weekend, which flew by, ended with us all buzzing about how to make it happen again.
I had several moments throughout the weekend where I simply stepped back for a moment and soaked in the energy from seeing and hearing dozens of people connect. Watching the moments where eyes widen and smiles break out over a shared experience, seeing small groups cluster around a compelling conversation, sharing a meal with others while we exchanged stories and experience. It was heady to be surrounded by so much focused energetic exchange.
I came away changed from the weekend with this community. Connection on that scale seems like something that can only happen once in a while but I know it is something I want to work to create frequently. I want to spend my time building and strengthening relationships, because I know that everything that comes next is exponentially more meaningful when it happens within the bounds of a strong connection. This community is one toward which I now feel a personal investment, not just an interest.
Last weekend was the kind of experience of true community that I crave, and want for everyone else seeking that deep, meaningful connection.
Connection against the beautiful Chicago skyline as a backdrop!