At times, we may feel connected to loved ones, community, nature, God, and self. For those who’ve experienced this, you know it can be blissful. Connection is the sense of being integrated. It’s the oneness that we can experience. Our core self desires connection with others, connection with something greater than ourselves (such as God and nature), and connection with self. It’s connection that can make adversity manageable and meaningful. Connection is an essential component to living well.
Actions that cultivate personal Connection:
- Spend time with music and literature that adds connection.
- Make room for and nurture the sacred, whatever that may be for you.
- Feel your emotions with openness and with the intent to understand, as if they’re communicating something important with you–because they are.
- Feel your physical sensations with openness and with the intent to understand, as if they’re communicating something important with you–because they are.
- Spend time in nature.
- Experience awe.
- Spend time in silence.
- Do therapeutic work to help integrate the self.
- Practice a breath and/or body meditation.
Actions that cultivate interpersonal Connection:
- Give to others–service, time, gifts, compliments, etc.
- Allow others to give to you–service, time, gifts, compliments, etc.
- Showing up for people, even if you don’t know what to do or say.
- Practicing gratitude.
- Practicing empathy.
- Practicing sincere curiosity.
- Sing, dance, joke, and play with others.
Express connection and care through physical touch, as appropriate: holding hands, hugging, massage, cuddling, consensual sex, etc.