Health and well-being professionals worldwide recognize that one of the most powerful elements of any healing process is Connection. Connection is the gateway to feeling love, which does more for us than we realize. On a physiological level, when we feel a loving Connection to another being, a wealth of yummy chemicals gets released in our brains that help to repair the strain of the everyday hustles of life. Oxytocin, in particular, allows us to feel bonded with our loved ones. A cascade of other soothing responses in the body is created that makes our immune systems stronger, our sleep to be deeper, and even a sense of inner peace to settle in. This is why a baby can more easily fall asleep when held and rocked. It is our nature to crave this Connection and necessary for survival and happiness.
1. Connection through Yoga
In a sense, embracing moments of Connection with another is akin to concepts in yoga. The word “yoga” means “to union.” It further means “to become one with, to merge, and to transcend the sufferings caused by feeling separate.” When we develop a deeper sense of Connection to our own body, breath, and essence, we can feel a more conscious Connection to ourselves and other beings. The practice of yoga allows us to experience who we are in truth.
2. Create Connection spaces
We can expand into experiencing this same Connection with others, even without words. In fact, the simple act of snuggling allows us the opportunity to melt into these spaces of Connection. It becomes a “felt sense” that enables us to settle back into who we are in truth. Physical closeness can become even more “yoga-like” when we are fully present in the experience.
Of course, these are just two intentions to consider. There are certainly more ways than yoga and embracing to build the essence of love and Connection. Regardless of how it is done, when we take thoughtful pauses to be in the space of love, this Connection to ourselves and others benefits our well-being on many emotional and physical levels.
3. Connection practices
I invite you to try this Connection practice: Each morning, when you rise, imagine breathing through the heart space. Create an intention to navigate through your day, maintaining a heart-centered presence. When you feel challenged, come back to your center. Allow yourself to feel a sense of compassion and gratitude for those you encounter. And remember, that your breath can always be your Connection back to yourself.
Another way to bring Connection into your life is through meditation, setting the outside world aside for a bit. I welcome you to connect to the present space and time as I guide you through a ten minute meditation designed to bring you healing, love and peace.
There are many ways to weave Connection into your day, in the comments, feel free to share ways that you find Connection with yourself and others.