by Anita Walling and Kathleen Colburn

Recently in this column, Nick Andrea wrote about the “cosmic significance of every moment we inhabit.” His poem “The Context” reminds us of our interconnectedness and the beautiful synchronicities that bring us together.

When we feel that connection, often we want to do more together, perhaps go deeper into that connection. Together our aspirations, dreams and visions have a better chance of becoming reality. Great things happen when we work together. By collaborating we can also help each other push through fears.

A valuable and essential tool for deepening our connection and stepping into a collaborative relationship, is listening. Listening to your “self.” Listening to others. Listening for the resonance of the whole.

When we truly listen to ourselves — both our higher and lower ego — we’re also listening to our heart. The thoughts, ideas and images that “pop in” just might benefit the collaboration. You have a unique set of experiences, knowledge and expertise. You also have a unique set of fears and needs that should be acknowledged. While they can be valuable to illuminate short comings in what is being created, if you don’t acknowledge them, they may be running your show and you won’t be aware of it.

Your fears may create roadblocks to collaboration. If you listen to the voice of your fears you might find they are the origins of your blaming or judging others, or feeling you know the best or only way. A feeling that wants to be expressed could be an inspiration, if it feels like it’s motivated by love and not fear.

For collaboration to work we also have to listen to others and welcome their point of view. They have ideas and gifts that can add to yours to make a more beautiful whole. If we can appreciate what each is bringing to the table then we have an entity that can only be created by our being together. When we see this, collaboration becomes exciting and rewarding.

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Business in a More Beautiful World is a monthly networking & education event for those interested in a collaborative, heart-centered, purpose-driven model of doing business. Meeting take place every 4th Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Edna’s of Asheville, 870 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Free to the public.

Find out more about the people behind the column and the live events that we host by visiting www.meetup.com/Business-in-a-More-Beautiful-World