Who are you when you’re disconnected?
It's 444!
Welcome, my name's Max. I'm a photographer and yoga teacher travelling Sri Lanka. 444 is my monthly recap. It splits into something 4 me, 4 you, and 4 us. I write these to remind myself to connect with my heart. I hope reading this offers a moment to listen to yours.
This will find your inbox at 4:44 on the fourth from wherever I am in the world. Today, I'm writing to you from Midigama, Sri Lanka. I'm visiting friends and covering yoga shifts in this spiritual community bubble.
Between 444s I write community updates. Shares showing the impact small groups of people have on the world. My 'buy me a coffee' page exists to continue the chain of acts of kindness. Anything I raise above essential photography costs I donate to the causes.
Find my 'buy me a coffee' page here.
Shoutout to this month’s supporters from A to Z, Adam and Zach!
4 you - values
Who are you when you're disconnected?
A flip to understanding values. It can be easy to identify when connection exists. To know what it's like to be in the feeling. What happens when you're not?
Who are you when you're deprived of connection?
It is human to experience times when our values are misaligned. Sometimes we forget to prioritise it. Circumstance can cause connection to not be at the level or amount we need.
What do you recognise in those moments?
4 me - deficient
Right now I'm navigating disconnect.
I'm living on my own for the first time in my Hiri home base. I'm over an hour away from my island friendships. It's revealing a key relational pillar to feeling at home.
The lack of connection is escalating poor habits. Addictions. Dopamine chases for connection perpetuate instability.
My deepest connections in my life right now are on the other side of my phone. What happens when I rely on my phone for connection?
A short return to community in Midigama was refreshing. Motivation to create is coming back after time with friends. Can creativity only be born for me when I'm feeling connected?
4 us - fluffy companions
This is Batman. A popular street dog who calls my place home. He is an excitable kelpie puppy with no discipline or understanding of boundaries. Somewhere in the jungle he sources food returning to the door for rests.
He runs to the road to escort me in and out of the property. He loves rising onto his hind legs to mount scooters and people for hugs. Hugs that YOU have to decide when to let go. If he doesn't get attention he bites.
It's interesting noticing Batman attune to my emotions.
He's softening.
Biting less.
Placing his head on my lap.
Sitting
with me.
He has been a wonderful companion in a time when I’ve needed someone by my side.
Thanks for reading this month's 444. Next check-in coming from the mountains.
Ciao,
Max
