The Power of Connection
This past week, I had the opportunity to meet an amazing woman. She is from California and is taking an online course with me. We were randomly paired up for an activity and from the moment we began talking, I felt an instant connection with her. During our time together, we shared stories about our lives as though we had known each other for years. After our class was over, we continued to email each other for the next few days. We shared our life experiences openly and honestly – both the good and the bad. But, the best part was that I communicated my innermost feelings without fear of judgment. We provided each other with a safe space where both of us could express ourselves. We honored each other and spoke our own truth. For me, that’s what connection is all about.
Connection plays an important role in our lives. But so much of the time, we are overwhelmed and exhausted with our daily tasks and responsibilities. We crave a connection with others as well as ourselves, but we simply can’t fit it into our schedule. Soon, we feel isolated and alone. Our lives just seem to be missing something. We long for connection.
Connecting with ourselves is essential for our well-being. Our inner voices want to be expressed – they want to be heard. So, finding a quiet space where we can reflect and center our spirits is so important. In that safe space, we face our biggest fears and celebrate our greatest joys. We are completely honest with ourselves – no hidden agendas. When we do this, we begin to understand ourselves in a whole new way. This nurturing enhances our relationship with ourselves as well as with others. Our honesty and openness breaks down emotional walls and establishes a framework where new and current relationships can thrive and grow. In order to know others, we must first know ourselves.
Connections form a strong bond between people. When we find people we connect with on a deeply personal level, we know it. They enable us to completely be ourselves, even if we don’t know them very well. We express ourselves honestly and reveal our hidden vulnerabilities without fear of judgment. With them, we feel completely safe. Opening up about our true feelings, we don’t have to hide behind a “persona.” We don’t have to pretend. The relationship enables us to speak our truth and validates our own brilliance. We believe in our value. These people are our “tribe" of support and encouragement. Our connection with them helps us feel balanced and whole. We know we can count on them for anything.
Even when we have close connections with people in our lives, it’s easy for our busyness to get in the way. So, we need to intentionally reach out and connect with them. Drop them a note, send them a text, or make a date with them for lunch. Spend some meaningful time together. Listen to their stories and share some of your own. Whether you drink coffee, spend a day at the spa, or chat on the telephone, make time for this all-important connection. It will enhance both of your lives and will be time well spent.
This week, take some time to connect with others as well as yourself. Light a candle, write in your journal, read a book, or take a hike in the woods – do whatever makes you feel at peace. Spend some quality time with yourself and listen to your heart. In the midst of your schedule, reach out and connect with someone you care about. Share stories and life experiences. Be vulnerable and honest. Convey what is truly on your heart. Then allow them to do the same. Honor the connection between you. If you are someone who is still looking for a connection, try something new like taking an online course or a yoga class, auditioning for a play, or going bowling. You never know with whom you might connect. Open yourself up to the experience, and allow the universe to help you find what you need. Nurture and express every part of yourself. Collaborate and connect, appreciating your brilliance. See yourself as the amazing person that you are!
