When I used to think of bridges I would think of any of the ones I’ve walked, driven, flown across or viewed in a movie, a picture or similar. There are all kinds of bridges.
In the Art of Connecting – How to Overcome Differences, Build Rapport, and Communicate Effectively with Anyone by Claire Raines and Lara Ewing they share four basic principles for connecting with others:
- There’s always a bridge.
- Curiosity is key.
- What you assume is what you get.
- Each individual is a culture.
I read this book a long time ago and yet all four of these principles have stuck with me.
And, there are all kinds of bridges. One could imagine a suspension bridge composed of a wooden slat, a triangular rock, a circular piece of glass, a heart shaped mirror and ends with 4 or 5 metal slats about a foot apart tenuously strung together with rope that runs from one riverbank to the other. Or, a bridge might be composed of other things that match the culture, assumptions, curiosity and needs of those who are trying to connect or trying to disconnect. Because though I believe there can always be a bridge, there are times when some would really rather not connect, don’t want to build a bridge for whatever reason. This doesn’t mean we can’t still build a bridge with our understanding of the situation even if no one else comes. It might mean later someone walks, runs or flies across that bridge.
Hugs are like bridges, two arms reaching out to another with outstretched arms. A harmonious human bridge where no two hugs are quite the same.
Some bridges never lead anywhere, others are slippery slopes, some are hugs of good fortune for everyone involved.
There are all kinds of bridges to play with … bridges we build within and with others.
Play and story can help us build bridges.
Enjoy the stories and have a playful day,
– Mary
PS
If a banana was a bridge or a part of bridge – it might be a bit slippery.
If a sandwich was a bridge it would be layered.
If ice cream was a bridge it wouldn’t last too long on a hot day.
Edited 7/24/26 for clarity.
