6 degrees of Separation

being comfortable with the uncomfortableness

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

The six degrees of separation—the idea that anyone can be connected to any other person through a chain of acquaintances with no more than five intermediaries—isn't just a theory in business and your career; it's a reality! 

the above statement is from Google but more about that later.

So, following on from last week's writings, the year 202more, I stated that this was the year I was going to do more of the things that served me well, things I enjoyed doing, and even if I did not enjoy doing them initially I knew the benefits of doing such tasks once I got out of that comfort zone.

And if yesterday or this weekend was a taster of what's ahead I want more, more, more of it. I was invited to attend the first-year birthday of an amazing product Bekindincense by one of the founders of the brand, Mark, an event in Co. Wicklow starting at 9 and I would be going on my own, with the roads very icy and minus degrees outside would mean getting up at 7 to make sure got there safely etc. etc. again something perhaps I'd of made an excuse to not go a few years ago.

Going to events on my own through previous work, or social activities always was a daunting idea, and one I dreaded. 

But since the one I randomly attended a few years ago, which ended up with me being on a flight to Bali 2 weeks later I've changed that mindset to all of what good things could this bring. Nonetheless walking into a crowded room not knowing anyone is still a scary prospect.

In an age where we follow people on social media when we know about their lives that they post, but that is as far as it goes, we cannot call them friends per se, for we are no more than viewers on their channel. 

Ok so I knew Mark and his partner in life and business Kylie so that would be a start, and on that note, I have to give them thanks for what was just a magical day that words can't even do justice. From minute one to 430PM it was filled with knowledge, inspiration, tears, movement, breathwork, laughs, and dancing, I did so much meditation yesterday that I think me and my car floated home with a smile on my face.

And I ended up being surrounded by so many people I knew or had met through one circumstance or another (back to the Google quote)

At another business event I attended last year on my own, I met Meg Wren, someone I had followed, admired, and related so much to what she put out and said on her page, we had met a few times before so chatting with her was normal, I was introduced to her boyfriend Mark briefly and he continued chatting to a guy at the table, I said my goodbyes and later that day received a beautiful message from the guy Mark was talking to (Cieran May, Natural Resilience) which blew me away, complimenting me on my journal saying it was the best he had seen, on inspection of his page discovered he knew a thing or two about personal development which made the compliment even more special. 

I wanted to know more so I went to one of his events (again alone) and met Mark randomly who told me he was studying to be a psychotherapist we chatted about different modalities and he inspired me to do a diploma course on Gestalt therapy from that very conversation.

At the same event, I was partnered up with Dean as an accountability partner to check in for a few weeks to help get certain areas of our life.

Then a few weeks later at a moonstock festival selling the journal the stall next to mine was indeed Mark again, where I found out he was behind the Bekind product. 

A man came to my stall and chatted with me and I recognized him from a fascinating podcast I had heard that summer about his wrongful incarceration for over 22 years where he was on death row, and forced to endure just horrific times for a crime he did not commit, until his release (thanks to being the first person to request DNA testing) the amazing Nick Yarris, we chatted and off he went to enjoy the festival.

One day a Facebook live during lockdown came on my feed of a guy DJing in a community centre which I loved the music, messaged Aaron (thewolf_ie) and he told me it was a hobby but he was now studying to be a breathwork facilitator.

And then a girl I knew through various friends and family members, to say hello, another whose story and journey I followed, Emma Keohe, but never actually had a proper conversation with. But yesterday changed that and we partnered up for all hugs, affirmations, and sweaty downward dog yoga poses.

I walked into yesterday's event knowing Mark and Kylie ready to support the anniversary of their product and within 15 minutes I was surrounded by all of the above-mentioned people, we shared and all witnessed just one of the best days, and if that's the bar that has been set for any events I go to this year then its pretty high.

7th of January so early in the year and my cup has been filled, and yes I want more and more of it, so the message in this is simple, take that chance, go to that event, gym class, or exhibition you saw, or hike you saw been advertised, try meditation or women's circles, get to that local beach and go dipping, or perhaps there is a couch to 5K you want to try, for getting out of your comfort zone may be the best thing to happen "for" you this year. And you will soon surround yourself with inspiring amazing and like-minded people in no time.

As always, thanks for reading.

Marcus