The Power of Connection

Connections. They’re the unseen threads that link us to everyone and everything around us--our families, our friends, animals, nature, people we don’t even know, our source, and our very selves. How we nurture these relationships can make all the difference to living a happy and fulfilling life.

Here are a few thoughts about making the most of the connections in our lives:

• There are many different kinds of connections, and they are important for everyone--even introverts. “We, as humans, are not meant to be solitary creatures. This goes for my fabulous introverted friends also. For connection is not only to other people,” says Reiki and reflexology teacher and practitioner Tracy McGovern. Tracy relies on the different connections in her life for support and a way to keep centered. “When I’m feeling off it is the question I ask myself. Where do I need to connect?” she says. “If I’m feeling scattered and anxious I need to connect with nature. A hike in the woods or a walk on the beach. Connection to the natural world. If I’m feeling sad or melancholy that is balanced by friends and family. Connection to other people. Sometimes all I need is music. Connection to memory, or to the particular frequency/vibrations. If I’m feeling anything at all and I can spend some time with my dog….forget about it….everything is better.”
  
  
  
• Connections can change over time--new ones are formed, established ones shift, spent ones fade--it takes thought and work to navigate the changes. “Relationships can change, in the blink of an eye or over a long period of time.  All relationships have ups and downs and require conscious thought and effort to keep them going,” says myofascial release practitioner Lisa Franklin. “Now is a good time to look at the relationships you have and determine which ones no longer serve you.  Is it time to finish the relationship?  Is it time to invest some time and energy into it to change it?  Is it time celebrate the relationship?”
  
  
  
• Our relationship with animals can be especially healing and rewarding. Yoga instructor Deb Zobel has found this to be true in her own life. “As I was snuggling with my cats and dog, I observed them intently,” she said. “I looked at each of them, seeing just how amazing they are, each with their distinctive and beautiful fur, their eyes that can see right through to your soul, each being as unique as you and me.  I also noticed how slowly and peacefully they were breathing, some of the cats purring in the bliss of relaxation while in contact with their human.  They were content just to be with me. I then contemplated how I felt.   The warmth of their bodies, their soft fur as well as the vibration of the purring made me feel relaxed, content and at peace.  And love.  It was a vivid example of the harmonious relationship we have with our animal friends.  We, on one hand, know on a cognitive level what they need – food, shelter, vet care, and yes attention and love.  But the animals seem to have a deeper understanding of what love is, and nurture that every chance they get.  They cultivate a true relationship with us whether by their funny antics or child-like naughtiness, but most amazingly, by their desire to just be with us.  Animals seem to have an innate sense of our need to feel a physical and emotional bond to another living being and they fulfill that need most graciously.  We are truly connected at the most profound level.”
  
  
  
• Our connection with our own self is one of the most essential and rewarding relationships we can have, but also often one of the least recognized. “Even when we are alone, we are not connected to ourselves,” says Tracy. “In fact we are often not even aware of our own true self. As much as we can’t escape ourselves, this is frequently the most neglected connection we have. And the hardest, and most rewarding, work you’ll ever do.”

 

• With attention and care, we can build up the connections that nourish us. “Each person's individual task is to pay attention. To actually learn on purpose which connection shifts you from where you are to a higher place,” explains Tracy. “People. Source. Sounds. Scents. Nature. Animals or pets. Self. Do you know which connections move you from the dark places toward the light?”

This week we invite you to join us in saying yes to nurturing the connections in your life, whatever they may be for you! Stay tuned for tips, fun facts, and inspiration--and don’t forget to share your own stories, ideas, and tips with us by tagging us at #chronicwellness and #cwquakertown.