When I set out to write this podcast, I was hoping to capture something that seems to be a universal experience these days — overwhelming fragmentation of self. You will notice a fragmented feel as you first start to listen, but have no fear that is not unfocused blathering… it is there to serve the point. Our attention is so divided and confused, that we often don’t even know where to look for the truth, who or what to trust. I theorize that we do this to avoid the very real threat of hurt and betrayal that we may face in this world. Like our avatars act as a buffer. But is living behind a mask truly living? Shouldn’t we step into reality as imperfect beings, become vulnerable and live a life of wholeness: a life of integrity? And here’s the beauty: this integration of ourselves - this authentic US (not pseudo-us) - this security in our identity when presented to the world in vulnerability, can actually build genuine community.

Key Topics:

• Digital fragmentation and scattered identity

• Trust in our noisy information landscape• Convenience vs. courage in risk-taking

• Personal integration as foundation for community

Memorable Quotes:

• “I communicate therefore I am?”

• “But that’s the sneaky risk, isn’t it?”

• “we can’t build integrated communities when we’re bringing only fragments of ourselves”

For complete show notes, reflection questions, and timestamps, visit our Substack.

https://open.substack.com/pub/erictomeo/p/whole?r=5wlv&utm_medium=ios

Subscribe and share if this resonated with you - we’d love to hear about your own experiences with digital fragmentation and community building.