BRIDGE Framework to Build True Connectedness

How to build true connectedness? I used to be amazed by people with deep, long-lasting, and meaningful relationships. I began using the term "connectedness" to describe such bonds in 2015 but never felt I had them in my life, with anyone – be it my spouse, kids, parents, or friends. I often wondered why this wasn't happening for me.

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The primary reason, I realized, was my relationship with myself. Despite rarely harboring ill feelings towards others, I used to harbor a strong self-hatred. I had molded myself through the lens of perfectionism, making it easy for me to dislike various aspects of myself – my shape, the way I talk, my voice and its tone – giving myself numerous reasons to blame and hate.

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Engaging in extensive reading and attending training sessions, I discovered the concept of self-love and began practicing it. Learning about the Ho'oponopono prayer, I adapted it into SoFT?? – So-> I am sorry, F-> please forgive me, T -> thank you, ??-> I love you. This practice helped me accept myself as I am and foster love towards myself.

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I realized that true connectedness must first be built and felt within oneself before extending it to others. Hence, I developed a concept/framework ?called BRIDGE?? to facilitate the creation of genuine connectedness.

When you think about bridges, what comes to your mind? We can see various types of bridges in different shapes, using different materials, having different strengths, and colors. What is the primary function of a bridge? It connects two points where there is a gap between them; these gaps could be rivers, small canals, mountains, and another bridge itself. The bridge helps to move people, vehicles, and animals from one point to another point. This happens because there is bonding between these two points through the bridge. When we started to design bridges, ideally, the movement is bi-directional. We never made bridges just like that; we made designs and based on that used materials accordingly. We have pillars and a platform. The pillars hold the platform, and the platform carries people and vehicles for their movement. So, our relationships are like bridges. We are like two points, and relationships connect us with others. Others could be our parents, spouse, kids, friends, mentors/coaches, students, bosses, etc. We have to take responsibility and ownership to design our relations so that we can truly build connectedness. So, the BRIDGE model says the following:

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B - Bonding and Bi-directional Nature: Prioritize building a strong bond in relationships, fostering a mutual connection that flows in both directions. Actively engage in two-way communication and shared experiences.

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R - Respect: Cultivate a foundation of respect in relationships. Honor each other's perspectives, boundaries, and individuality. Demonstrating genuine respect contributes to a healthier and more robust connection.

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I - Inspiration: Seek to inspire and be inspired within the relationship. Share aspirations, encourage personal growth, and find motivation in each other's achievements and ambitions. This mutual inspiration can fuel a positive and uplifting dynamic. The basic idea is that our actions should serve as inspiration for others, and vice versa.

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D - Design: Approach relationships with intention and design. Consider the elements that contribute to a successful connection, such as effective communication, shared goals, and mutual understanding. Regularly evaluate and adjust the design as needed.

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G - Gratitude: Foster a culture of gratitude by expressing appreciation for each other. Acknowledge the positive aspects of the relationship and show gratitude for the support, love, and companionship shared. Gratitude strengthens the bond and reinforces positive feelings.

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E - Empathy: Develop and practice empathy in the relationship. Understand and share in each other's feelings, perspectives, and experiences. Empathy builds understanding and deepens the emotional connection.

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Here Respect, Inspiration, Gratitude, and Empathy work as pillars.

B represents the platform

D reminds us of the need and importance of design.

Could you kindly review and apply the BRIDGE framework? I would greatly appreciate your insights and personal experiences in utilizing this framework to foster meaningful connections. Your thoughts on how BRIDGE has influenced your relationships would be valuable and insightful.