Connections universal theme

Connections are points where two or more people, things or ideas meet and share common elements. Things that join, unite, or share other things together.

Big ideas

• We all have a human body, subject to the same basic set of physical experiences.
• We all seek meaning in our lives.
• We all need others to interact with, care for and love.
• We are all better off if we are part of something larger than us, doing something useful.
• We are lifted by the accomplishments of others (in art, athletics, science, or at home).

Connections big ideas

• An affinity is a natural similarity between things; a natural attraction between two people.
• A convergence is two or more items approaching the same point from different directions, and meeting or crossing at that point.
• Empathy is an inherent understanding of the feelings, thoughts and motives of another person, or a strong identification with a nonliving thing.
• Failure is not achieving the desired ends or expected level of function. Ceasing to function properly, or to function at all.
• Harmony is an agreement in feeling, approach, or action. A pleasing interaction or combination of the elements of a whole.
• Networking is when a group of items or components link together to form a chain/web structural concept. Each component functions the same and shares information or resources.
• Opposition is when two or more ideas, people or things are placed directly against one another. The difference is not able to be bridged and is in stark contrast.
• Relationships are logical or natural associations between or among two or more components. The way the things are connected to one another.
• Sincerity requires a true reaction without false appearance. A pure form of honesty with no other motive than expressing a (typically positive) thought.
• Unity suggests that all parts are one and have an agreement that each part’s contribution works toward the same effect.

Archetypes

animals: bat, hippopotamus

birds: oriole, toucan, turkey

flowers: cornflower/bachelor’s buttons, honeysuckle, nigella

foods: tomato

mythical: ghost 

roles: flirt, shaman

settings: river, threshold

situations: marriage

symbols: chain

Connections was the first theme identified for Brian Beholds. It was because of my interest in connections that I ended up coming across the concept of universal themes and incorporating them into my own work. My original themes were identified in 2014, and Connections was first published on the site November 14, 2018. Revisions in December 2018, January 2020 and September 2022.

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