Intent to Connect
- Connection
- Connection Framework
- Connection Practice
- Connection Appliance
- Connection Supplement
- Connection Manual
- Connection Event
- Connection Outcome
- Connection Pathology
Intent to Connect is the willful, open, desire to "connect" with "something more." Developing and encouraging an "Intent to Connect" is an important aspect of all authentic Connection Practices.
Notes
Intent to connect is a critical component of most forms of Connection. It is the intent to connect that occurs when an individual reaches "rock bottom" that is the catalyst for a Connection Event.
Stressful events, conflict, trauma, a sense of personal inadquacy, and "hitting rock bottom" have long been associated with the onset of a Connection Event,[1] [2] thus leading some to suggest that it is stress, conflict, trauma, etc., are precursors. Also associated with these circumstances, however, is a sudden reversal of intent. Thus Bill Wilson, an atheist and critic of God, at the end of his alcoholic rope, suddenly make an appeal (expressed a heartful intent) for assistance and connection. His intent immediately precipitated a connection (see here for his connection event). I suspect that if a student examines the historical record of people whose "events" occurred during periods of stress, conflict, etc., one will find intent, though overlooked, a common feature.
Offord [3] provides several examples of alcoholics who elicited Conversion Experience via intent and demands.
I prayed and then I stopped; I prayed again, and stopped; but still I continued kneeling. My knees were rooted to those cold stones. My eyes were closed, and my hands tightly clasped, and I was determined I would stay so till morning..." and then," said I to myself, "if I get no relief, I will never, never pray again"... All at once it seemed as if something supernatural was in my room..."[4]
"Well, I'll tell you," he replied; "I went from here to my boat, and locking the door, just made up my mind never to open it again until converted. [5]
St. Teresa of Avila speaks of the importance of intent, but in a Christian context, using the concept of a Christian God as a focal point for intent. "When you approach God, then, try30 to think and realize Whom you are about to address and continue to do so while you are addressing Him.[6]
St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection (Dover Thrift Editions) (p. 78). Dover Publications. Kindle Edition. "
List of Connection Practices
This is an intercultural list of connection practices. Research is included where available.
Footnotes
- ↑ Zinnbauer, Brian J., and Kenneth I. Pargament. “Spiritual Conversion: A Study of Religious Change among College Students.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 37, no. 1 (1998): 161. https://doi.org/10.2307/1388035.
- ↑ Mahoney, Annette, and Kenneth I. Pargament. “Sacred Changes: Spiritual Conversion and Transformation.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, no. 5 (2004): 481.
- ↑ Offord, R.M. Jerry McAuley: An Apostle to the Lost. New York: Forgotten Books, 2012.
- ↑ Offord, R.M. Jerry McAuley: An Apostle to the Lost. New York: Forgotten Books, 2012. p. 18-19.
- ↑ Offord, R.M. Jerry McAuley: An Apostle to the Lost. New York: Forgotten Books, 2012. p. 75.
- ↑ St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. New York: Dover Publications, 2012. https://amzn.to/2Id75es. p. 78.
