“A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.” - Brene Brown
Do something every single day that connects you to yourself and to others.
Don’t skip this critical component to your good health and well-being.
Connection is where we find joy. Where we meet friendship, kindness, love, and support.
Where we feel valued and heard; where empathy, compassion, and trust reside.
We often unconsciously search for connection through external avenues - beauty, power, money. And then feel let down and disappointed when our attempts do not result in the internal happiness we were searching for.
We rely on these things to make us feel good/happy/at ease within ourselves, and when they don't (because they can't!), we end up disappointed and confused.
Where did we go wrong?
Relying on things outside of yourself to magically bring you happiness NEVER works.
These feelings come from within.
Happiness, confidence, gratitude, hope, pride, success, body-positivity, self-compassion, acceptance, and inner calm are all well within your reach.
When you approach your life with curiosity, openness and an intention to understand, you afford yourself the important opportunity for real inquiry, deep connection, and radical transformation to take place.
Taking the time for this is worth it. I promise. Check out some options for deepening the connection in your daily life below.
Embodying Practices: The goal with these practices is to more closely connect with yourself; who you are at your core.
**A simple and very effective practice is to just check-in with yourself. Take a quiet moment and ask yourself, "How am I feeling? What's going on for me right now?" Notice what comes up without judgment. Repeat often!
* Yoga. Just stretch and breathe, it doesn’t have to be complex or long. Try a few minutes in the morning or a soothing practice at night. That’s ‘yoga’, you’re doing it.
* Meditation. There is no shortage of apps, meditation circles, online groups etc… I love Insight Timer for both guided meditations and for the timer feature. Manoj Dias, Sarah Blondin, Tara Brach, and David Gandelman are some favorites.
* Breathing Practices (pranayama): Simple as stepping away and taking 3 slow breaths or more advanced pranayama techniques.
Self-Care and Self Compassion:
Take. Care. Of. Yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s a necessity.
* Spend time outside, take a long walk, read a great book, have a movie marathon on a rainy Sunday, go bird watching. Find the thing that makes your heart happy and do more of it.
* Eat well. Drink water. Which foods help you feel healthiest and most alive? Eat more of those.
* Get enough sleep. Keep electronics out of your room at night. Take a nap! Go to bed an hour earlier.
* Enjoy quiet time for yourself each day. Learn to enjoy both the silence and your own company.
* Creative outlets - music, art, photography, painting, dancing, knitting….
* Practice self-compassion regularly. Talk to yourself like you would talk to a dear friend.
Connecting with Others: Once you connect purposefully to yourself, you are better able to extend the truest version of yourself outwards.
* Check in regularly with friends and family.
* Make a list of people you’ve lost touch with and plan to call each one up a week.
* Really listen when someone is speaking to you. Full attention. No distractions. Give someone the gift of your undivided attention.
* Help others. Your time, attention, and service to others matters… a lot. Find a place where you can combine your passion + helping others and your life will never be the same.
* Smile at a stranger and enjoy a moment of true human warmth.
Make time for this every single day. Your mental health and well-being will thank you for it.
** JOURNAL PROMPT!
Set a timer for 5-10 minutes (or longer!) and write down your thoughts about ‘CONNECTION’.
Get the thoughts out of your head so you can look at them objectively. How does connection currently show up in your life?
Some ideas to get you going:
* What comes to mind when you hear the word connection?
* Do you feel connected to yourself (think: mind, body, spirit)?
* Do you feel connected to others?
* What activities make you feel connected? How often do you participate in them?
** PRO TIP!
* List 3 things you can do this week to connect more deeply to yourself. Try one of the embodying or self-care practices listed above if you’re stumped on what to do.
* List 3 things you can do this week to connect more deeply with others. Call up an old friend, listen when the kids are telling you about their day (put down the phone and look them in the eyes!), say something kind and genuine to a member of your family, see the good in others...
Connecting with yourself and then extending that awareness and love out to others will have a profound impact on your life.
I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
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