Missing the Subtleties

A promise to never again take for granted the magical moments connection we aren't having right now.

“Communication is merely an exchange of information, but connection is an exchange of our humanity.” — Sean Stephenson

I woke up Monday morning struck by something and wonder if anyone else is seeing it as a lot of us work in physical isolation...

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Even though we're regularly connecting via technology, there's something significant missing from our interactions. We're missing the subtleties of face-to-face connection and conversation (at least I am).

Let me explain (though none may be required)...

Lately, I’ve been recalling my days at Va Tech during my Ph.D. program, because this is starting to feel like I'm back there — a routine of waking and writing, followed by multiple scheduled interactions through the day where you sit, watch, and occasionally engage (much like going to class).

Between those scheduled connections it's back to reading and researching to support the creation of some new content (much like writing a dissertation) until the next scheduled interaction.

And tomorrow and the next day and the next day and the next...essentially rinse and repeat until someone says you don't have to anymore.

So, what are the missing subtleties?

It's those little things you experience when you share space with others doing similar things.

The white space conversations that emerge when you seek someone out to help you sort through your thinking.

The quick hellos and how are yous when you pass in the hallway.

The impromptu small group lunches punctuated with laughter.

The 'we've had enough for now' trips to a favorite local establishment, to share a beverage and some apps and talk about things that don't matter (and take your mind off things that do).

It's the physical presence realities we seldom notice when we're together...

A random wink of acknowledgment between two friends that no one else sees.

The palpable energy and excitement of someone as they share a story or a new idea.

The way, without even realizing it, you can sense how another is feeling just by being physically close.

It's the shared, unspoken feeling of belonging to something bigger than you and sharing in the journey together...

The sense what you're doing is important because you not only see but feel, how much it matters to those who are on their own identical journeys.

I miss those subtle things.

I will never take them for granted again.

What are you missing that you’ll never take for granted again?