We live in an age of digital revolution that gives us access to unlimited information through multiple communication channels at unprecedented speed. Despite such an abundance of information and tools of connectivity, each day we are growing further apart. Not only are we growing apart from each other, but we are also growing more alienated and disconnected from ourselves and from nature. As a result, we are confronted with three key problems: unmoored individuals, splintered communities and exploited nature.

At an individual level, we have been growing increasingly detached from ourselves, giving way to anxiety and discontent. We seek satisfaction and happiness through external confirmations rather than internal validation. At a collective level, many societies are fragmenting into insular communities giving way to insecurity and tribalism. We hope to find safety by building walls of fear around our communities.

Finally, our tendency to perceive ourselves as separate from nature as opposed to being part of it leads us to over-consume and exploit nature. We see ourselves as the conquerors of nature rather than embracing our oneness with it.

All of these challenges are intertwined and need to be addressed with an integrated approach. We need to delve into the roots of these problems with courage rather than settling for superficial and temporary solutions. There is an essential remedy to address all three of these problems. We believe that authentic connectedness to ourselves, to each other and to nature can overcome the hollowness of today's hyperconnected world. How do we attain authentic connectedness? We are explorers in this journey and have not yet reached the final destination.

How do we attain authentic connectedness?

During our founder’s inner journey, she came to appreciate the timeless meaning of her own name. The ancient concept "vuslat" describes the moment of bliss and epiphany one experiences in achieving an authentic connection within oneself and with those s/he deems the other. Many esteemed thinkers have explored the concept of vuslat from different perspectives over the ages. Within many cultures, vuslat has been an open invitation to embark upon a journey which will lead us to better versions of ourselves, as well as, to a more humane society. From the core teachings of Rumi on love, the aphorisms of Buddha and Gandhi, the philosophy of Ubuntu, to the deeds of Martin Luther King, Jr., the strength one derives from being true to oneself is preached as a cornerstone of a healthy individual and social progress. Most of these intellectual and spiritual traditions are concerned with inner development, societal improvement and the crucial interplay of both.

The Vuslat Foundation sets out to dust off a gem that is in plain sight and humbly takes on the timely challenge of fostering authentic connectedness with the timeless wisdom of vuslat. Through the Vuslat Foundation, Vuslat - the person - starts working for vuslat - the timeless idea.

As the Vuslat Foundation, we have, so far, identified that an indispensable element of authentic connectedness is generous listening. Generous listening is a surprisingly underutilized skill that is accessible to everyone. As a foundation, we believe that it can lead to a much-needed change in human behaviour and have a transformative effect on individuals and societies; supporting them in fulfilling their unique potential and achieving the wisdom of vuslat.