Tuesday 28 February 2012

Interconnectivity - Midweek Features - 25/01/2102

he features this week were inspired by the beautiful and vibrant image by Nadya Johnson.
Although the concept of interconnectivity relates to our connectedness with the the universe as a whole, here, the art signifies the interconnectiveness in families and in our relationships with others. If anyone would like to explore this subject more fully, there are some great articles here, and in relation to systems theory and sexual abuse within families, here
The family is a system in which each member has a role to play and rules to respect. Members of the system are expected to respond to each other in a certain way according to their role, which is determined by relationship agreements. Within the boundaries of the system, patterns develop as certain family member’s behavior is caused by and causes other family member’s behaviors in predictable ways. Maintaining the same pattern of behaviors within a system may lead to balance in the family system, but also to dysfunction. For example, if a partner is depressive and cannot cope, the other partner may need to take up more responsibilities to pick up the slack. The change in roles may maintain the stability in the relationship, but it may also push the family towards a different equilibrium. This new equilibrium may lead to dysfunction as the other partner may not be able to maintain this overachieving role over a long period of time.
The emotional interdependence presumably evolved to promote the cohesiveness and cooperation families require to protect, shelter, and feed their members. Heightened tension, however, can intensify these processes that promote unity and teamwork, and this can lead to problems. When family members get anxious, the anxiety can escalate by spreading infectiously among them. As anxiety goes up, the emotional connectedness of family members becomes more stressful than comforting. Eventually, one or more members feel overwhelmed, isolated, or out of control.
These are the people who accommodate the most to reduce tension in others. It is a reciprocal interaction. For example, a person takes too much responsibility for the distress of others in relationship to their unrealistic expectations of him. The one accommodating the most literally “absorbs” anxiety and thus is the family member most vulnerable to problems such as depression, alcoholism, affairs, or physical illness.
I have chosen to feature art this month,, as these images jumped out at me. So much of the art that comes into the group depicts the pain of damaged relationships or the joy of connectedness with others. I apologise to the poets, but would love it if you could post here, any other poems that also relate to this subject.

Nadya depict so beautifully the joy of connectedness.

Inter-connectivity © by Nadya Johnson


And Judy the sorrow when we feel totally alone.

The sad intangible who grieve and yearn… © by judyjones


Helene dramatically depicts the connectedness that can come through pain and suffering.

reflections from the soul © by helene ruiz


This haunting image from Cynthia shows the isolation that can take place in dysfunctional relationships, and reminds me that it was not so long ago that women were labelled as insane simply as a means to get them locked away in asylums.

Lunatique © by Cynthia Lund Torroll


Heather’s image, with its huge emotional punch needs no explanation.

foreboding © by Heather King


Unbeknown depicts so well the struggle to become whole again.

The Broken Woman © by unbeknown


Jessica’s lovely and poignant image, together with the poem, shows how we strive to find some freedoms in our emotional prisons.

why the caged bird sings © by Jessica Islam Lia


Whereas Strawberries so well depicts the angst of isolation.

I could have sworn I left my sanity here… © by strawberries


Sharon shows so well the powere of the loving bond between mother and child which should have been there for us all.

Nurturer © by Sharon Elliott


This wonderful image by Rosy, moves me to tears as she speaks hauntingly about the loss of a child and how that affects one for ever.

A Time of Thorns © by Rosy H


When interconnectedness works between us, it bring a feeling of completeness.

Forever Sisters © by jacqleen


Such a strong image which screams aloneness and what it does to us.

SOB © by Agent7


Already featured, I just could not resist adding an extra image to those already here today as Dorina depicts our dreams of connectedness to our consciousness.

Chrysalids © by dorina costras

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