Detached and Connected

Opportunities to watch the self and catch the self in action are endless.

When put in a small gathering of like minded souls who are yet to be introduced, there is the tendency to be friendly and connected and engage in small talk. There are the routine gentle questions that help connect with the other and offer a chance to appreciate the other well. The content is nearly pointless... but the intent could be noble and appreciative. It could also be driven by a need to feel good and nice through the interaction. Maybe the motivation could subtly be 'oh yes, so and so said this and that when we met then and there...'

There is also the opportunity to just stay silent, loving and appreciative. Wishing others well without having the need to know and engage. Except when there is an opportunity to make a substantial contribution by engaging through words.

It's not straightforward. There are situations that come where you feel you can 'add value' by offering insights or special prior knowledge about similar situations... that 'Aha, I know, its actually this way...' and yet the value addition may be quite trivial.

Detachment and connectedness. Both invaluable. The former makes the latter more beautiful.