“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.”
~ Isaac Newton
You can be a bridge in this world, and so can I.
We don’t have to look far for examples of architectural bridges designed to span over divides. Images of the Brooklyn, the Golden Gate and the famed Sydney Harbor bridge easily come to mind.
However, when asked to consider bridges designed from the heart, we may be challenged to find examples.
In my latest podcast, I take up the idea of humans becoming bridges.
In a world full of polarizing ideologies and deeply ingrained identifiers, it’s a powerful and timely idea, if not always an easy one to practice. Still, stepping into the role of human bridge carries enormous potential. It paves the way for spanning the human divides of frailties, fractures and dismemberment — those of others, as well as some of our own.
Many of us around the world are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s adage, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Yet surprisingly few of us are actually willing to step into the role of world changer.
Why? Extending ourselves beyond our carefully crafted comfort zones can prove an uncomfortable, and uneasy, proposition. As we move into uncharted spaces, we meet people in a whole new way and outcomes are unpredictable.
For example, exploring new insights may challenge our carefully crafted belief systems. They force us to reassess the strength and veracity of our long-held dogmas and when necessary, cause us to replace them with new ones. In other cases, discovering new information can expose our ignorance. When sufficiently threatened, our delicate egos can lash out rather than listen, choosing attack and self-protection instead of self-reflection and illumination.
We all agree that our world needs improvement. But imagine the possibilities as each of us decides to contribute in some small way to the process.
As we do our part, it’s not just we as human bridges who learn, extend and grow. We provide impetus and opportunity for others we might never have previously engaged with to step up . . . and do the same for themselves.
For thoughts on becoming an architect of a different kind, listen here or click below for Podcast 112 – Can You Be a Bridge?
You’ll also meet Venezuelan-born Vicky Fulop from The Players School of Music as she shares what makes her happy from the inside out, too.
Enjoy the marvels of becoming a lively span all your own!
For more inspiration on becoming a bridge, here’s one of my YouTube videos by the same name.
My latest podcast spoke of the harmony, structure and balance created by a wooden bridge at the top of a guitar.
If you’re a music lover or desiring to learn something new in the arts, discover these course offerings from Learn & Master. One of my affiliate partners, Learn & Master also shares with me a commission from purchases made through this website.
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Maura is an International Speaker on Influence, Leadership and Emotional Intelligence.
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