What Would Piaget Say?

Have you recently thought about someone from your past that you’ve been out of contact with for a while?  Is there someone you keep meaning to contact just to let them know you’re thinking about them?  Are you embarking on something that you want to share with everyone you’ve ever known in the world, either to celebrate or to ask for support?

 This week I received an e-mail from a friend I haven’t heard from in a while.  It was a short e-mail just letting me know she’s still around and a short blurb about her latest escapades.  When I saw her name in my mailbox I immediately got a smile on my face. I didn’t know what the e-mail was about but I felt a presence as I opened the e-mail ready for whatever she needed or open to whatever she would share.

 Piaget talks about our capacity to demonstrate “object constancy”.  Object constancy is the idea that even when someone or something is not in front of us, we know they still exist and are part of our consciousness.  In my mind it counters the “out of sight, out of mind” philosophy.  It shows us that once someone touches our life we are never the same.  We hold a quality, a memory or a lesson we learned from that person at all times.  We can reflect simply by summoning the memory and re-engaging with the imprint left on our soul.

 Don’t think that just because you haven’t heard from someone that they don’t think about you.  If you want to share something with those in your life don’t worry about how long it has been since your last contact…you’re still very much present in their life.  This is why honoring our connections and our relationships is key to our survival and our success, especially when facing an life-altering illness. 

I know when my father has received bad news from someone in his circle because he calls me and leaves me an “I love you” message.  I know my father loves me but this message tells me that he’s come in contact with news that has rattled him to his core and he’s reaching out to share the experience.  Don’t forget it’s great to also share good news to maintain balance in the world.