Intangible Connections

“I’m so glad you came.  We do this every year.  I hope you will come again next summer!”

Camille Higgins

Intangible Connectivity

High in the mountains in the middle of the night there was a gunshot and then the loud clamor of pots and pans banging.  These noises at about two a.m. were not expected in such a normally serene atmosphere.  But, when there is a black bear prowling around a camp ground such noises at night are merely defensive blare until the morning glow bursts in as a protector.

In the light of the sun it was easy to see large paw prints on the damp ground and even on the sides of trucks, trailers, and motor homes.  These signs of the night’s prowler also served to stimulate excited conversation between traveling neighbors.  Who would have guessed that a group of people who live together in the same town and have known each other for many years would need to have a bear stimulate a conversation that would lead to deepened friendship and understanding? 

In fact, when riding in my friend Mike’s truck that very morning he said, “You know, I’ve known you for many years and have never really talked with you!”

Had my friend Danny and Mike & his wife Camille not planned and made all of the arrangements for this outing, the opportunity for me to spend time getting to know my neighbors better would have never happened.  We would have simply continued living our separate lives, together in the same town.  I would not have discovered the concept of Intangible Connectivity.

This trip caused me to understand that true relationships do not exist without a framework of Intangible Connectivity.  That is to say, living next to, or near someone else and knowing who they are does not automatically translate into friendship or really “knowing” them. 

To really get to know someone and become their friend you need to spend time with them.  You need to see the people they live their lives with.  You need to see how they react to challenging situations that surprise them.  You need to open your ears and listen to their dreams, hopes and plans for the future; intangibles.  Intangibles are things that allow you to have more than a superficial relationship; things that build a deeper connection. 

Connections to other people are the generator of life.  They are the creator of joy, long term happiness and wealth in all areas of your life.  Build greater connections today by spending time with your neighbors and friends.  Invite them into your life and enjoy the results. 

I’ve seen my camping friends since our trip.  We greeted each other warmly, like never before.  After all, we faced death from the jaws of a bear, road ATVs, fished, cooked over a fire, and talked for several days.  Now I call all of that an Intangible Connection.