what if connection really is the medicine?

by Eaden Shantay

Eaden participating in a “being seen ceremony” led by Deva at a recent retreat.

What if connection really is the medicine?

I brought karma into this lifetime that really impacted my ability to connect, deeply, with myself—fear of rejection, abandonment, un-lovability, low self-esteem and a sense that I am just not good inside.

Now this isn’t the mask that I wear, or the persona I share with the world but rather the inner content buried deep within—the struggle and the inspiration for 35 years of personal growth work. I still struggle but there’s also something else present, a quiet inner voice calling me home that can only be heard by connecting with myself.

What called me home initially was wanting freedom from emotional pain but that has shifted now to wanting to hear the inner call of purpose, the recognition of my inherent love and being of service to others.

Each day I set the intention to work my practices, to connect with my deeper self, to live the day mindfully and to be authentic. This process of connecting with myself, connecting to my family and community, connecting to nature and Spirit has saved my life. It’s the hero’s journey from darkness to light, ignorance to self-knowledge, fear to love.

There was a time when I used dis-connection to avoid my pain, now I connect with my pain because I now it’s a doorway home to the truth of who I really am and I am so grateful. This process of connection has made my life worth living and filled my life with worth.

Connection is the medicine!