I think life is about connection and impact. We need connection. We make an impact. I was struck by the parallel nature of these two ideas in the fantastic (and wonderfully accessible) Ikon Gallery in Birmingham yesterday. There was an exhibition by Joao Maria Gusmao and Pedro Paiva with the delicious title "On the movement of a fried egg and other astronomical bodies". They make silent 16mm films and the one that got me thinking was "The Great Drinking Bout". "Here, a group of ten men with blackened faces pass a clay pot full of liquid between them, each drinking in turn in a kind of tribal ritual". The connection between the men is palpable, despite the lack of words. And the impact their actions have on each other is fascinating to watch. They copy and mimic and ignore and surprise.
We all have impact, whether or not we are aware of it. One of my current challenges is to become more aware of the impact I have in what I say and do. I was telling a group my accident story in a very calm and emotionless way last week. One of the listeners broke down. I assumed it was because it brought up memories for him. But it turned out he was struck with grief at what had happened to me.
We all have impact. And we should use it to make a difference in the world. If I can challenge just one person's assumptions about disability or masculinity or parenthood, say, then I'm making that difference. If I can offer comfort and understanding, then I'm making a difference. I'm not changing the world in a dramatic way but I am having an impact. Along with connection, isn't that enough?
