define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
As you ponder and begin writing your reflection, make sure to address all the questions below:
1. What is the process of how you connect with others (i.e., rapport building), including strangers?
2. How would you define rapport, and the necessary ingredients for rapport to occur?
3. What are some challenges or fears when developing rapport?
4. How can rapport be cultivated with a person who engages in activities/behaviors antithetical to your way of being (e.g., members of a group who are in opposition to a group you identify with, bullies, violent criminals, sex offenders, etc.)?
How one chooses to answer self-reflection assignments is completely up to you. Self-reflections are opportunities to express one self freely. Everyone has a unique path. Most importantly, let your voice shine.
Consider the following guidance from a free writing guru: “Free writing only works if you don’t question or criticize every sentence, idea and story that you put down on the blank page. Instead, let the words flow freely from your fingers onto the page without pausing or questioning what you are saying. Then, when you’ve finished your free writing, spend time polishing, buffing and making your prose shine.”
