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Jane Allen

Connecting Stories
San Francisco, California, USA

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What is an underlying question that gives form to your work or interest in this field?

How do we achieve an increased awareness of our interconnectedness so we can live in peace, understanding and respect for others?

What is your personal experience of collective wisdom in groups?

As a psychotherapist, I saw the collective resonance of group work. A group of people would begin as individuals and start exploring what they had in common. They moved from "What's in this for me?" to "What are you going through? How can I help you?" and "What can I learn from this group?"

Over the years, I have seen these dynamics in any group of thoughtful people who come together for discussion. Effective groups give us learning, expand our views, help us to understand others. And they inspire, comfort and heal us. The experience of "I am not alone" both draws on and opens us to our collective consciousness.

What is it about the work in this field that excites you and connects you to your own deepest self?

I am collecting stories that connect us, true stories of unexpected intersections and amazing moments of synchronicity. Whatever words we use to describe these events -- coincidence, fate, karma, chance -- they lift us from our isolation and make us aware of the threads that connect us. We know, deep in our hearts, that all is one. We fear, in our heads, that it isn't true. How do we banish our doubts and accept that these connections are there, just waiting for us if we will only pay attention?

Please provide a brief storyline or snapshot of what brought you to this work.

The experience of connecting with another has always fascinated me. What resonates between two people to connect them as colleagues, friends or lovers? What facets of those relationships make them enduring or temporary? What allows people to work through conflict and remain connected?

In the days following 9/11, we were connected in our shock and grief. We hugged friends, talked to strangers and all had the same focus. We slowed down and were more patient and considerate of others. As we began to heal, that deep connection started to fray. People returned to being busy and focusing on self. Awareness of our interconnection slipped away again.

Why does a tragedy have to occur in order for us to reach that level of connection? How can we achieve connectedness in positive ways and sustain it? How different would the world be if we were fully aware of our connection with every person on the planet?

How would you like to be available to others in this field? What would be a meaningful connection? Are you available to talk with others? What contribution might you be able to make?

Through my web site - www.connectingstories.com - I am collecting true stories that connect us ... unexpected intersections and moments of synchronicity. Please, tell me your story. I would be happy to hear from anyone who has an interest in this subject.

Links to this site or others:

Connecting Stories


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