Family Hike with Graduating Seniors

We are wired for connection. In our busy lives, especially this time of year with the ending of the school year and graduations, we may need to intentionally make connecting moments happen. Important connection doesn’t have to be face-to-face conversation. In fact, magic moments can happen “shoulder-to-shoulder” when we are engaged in an activity, like hiking.    

Change is Loss  

What does it mean to say, “Change is loss?” Even positive change involves the loss of something. Change to a dynamic at home. Change to how something used to be. There are an infinite number of changes–there are an infinite number of losses. A normal reaction to loss is grief. We can learn to attune and attend to change, loss, and grief. 

Yin and Yang/Both-And Thinking 

Non-dualistic thinking is to acknowledge that seemingly contradicting things can be true at the same time. 

Ancient Chinese Yin Yang Theory is a kind of logic that views things in relation to its whole. This concept came from observing nature. “Yin” referred to the shady side of a slope while “yang” referred to the sunny side.  

People tend to think in black or white, and right or wrong. Holding two seemingly opposed feelings can promote acceptance, validation, and comfort. This can be helpful in shedding judgment in trauma healing.  

Activity description  

We will engage in discussion questions while hiking, such as: 

What do we see on our hike that represents connection? 

What examples of Yin and Yang or both/and thinking might we be experiencing in our lives right now? 

How can connection be strengthened with milestones like a teenager gaining more independence, or graduating?  

What are some examples of Yin and Yang or both/and thinking after with May 7th? 

How has the STEM School shooting impacted your family connections?