Discovering Kintsugi on Clubhouse

Since early December, I’ve been playing around with the new social media app, Clubhouse. As with anything in beta, it has some issues, but something different is happening there; people feel heard.

There’s no like button, video, comments section, flawless filters, or six-pack abs worry. All you need is a desire to connect. It’s an enticing concoction of a dinner party, conference call, live podcast, and coffee clutch that can be equally inviting to extroverts and introverts.

Yes, there are plenty of conversations that can pull you into a time-sucking vortex and rooms where folks are listening to reply or seeking attention. Yet, in the same space, people share their stories for the first time, raise support for those impacted by the winter storms, and practice mindfulness.

And all of them have this in common; people feel the weight of the last twelve months. It’s in their voice. You hear the cracks – even those who crushed it last year are carrying a heavier backpack. But you also hear growth, hope, love, and resilience. You hear Kintsugi.

None of us knows for sure what the future holds, but I’m more convinced today that we need to embrace the spirit of Kintsugi. Yes, we may crack, but we can be connected more beautifully together. It’s a belief that could help us create a better tomorrow, and it starts, like most things, with ourselves.

This week’s video is all about Kintsugi and a morning ritual that can help you see that you have a beautiful story worth sharing – even if you only share it with yourself.

If you would like more information on Clubhouse, please let me know. I’m hosting two conversations each week and would love for you to drop in. You can find me there at @michaelobrien.

Until next week, remember to Pause.Breathe.Reflect. to help you see that your cracks allow your light to shine in, and, of course, have fun storming the castle.

Michael

p.s., Until February 28th, with every piece of Pause.Breathe.Reflect. gear purchased, I will be making a $10 donation to The American Red Cross to help those in our peloton who the winter storms have impacted.