Feeling connected is an inner experience; it is a knowing that you have meaningful links with the people and world around you, including yourself. Unfortunately most of us keep ourselves so busy with life trying to get ahead, trying to cope, trying to please people, trying to get through the day, that without even realising it we have lost our connection with the vital things that help us achieve our life’s desires. Being connected with others is vital to your health and wellbeing on many levels so let’s explore the areas where we believe you need to stay connected:
'I know for sure that connectedness is necessary to well-being. You can eat as much salmon and broccoli as you can, take antioxidants for the rest of your life, breathe terrifically, and walk all over the earth, but if you are disconnected, you will not achieve optimum health.' Andrew Weil, MD
Social Connectedness
From the beginning of time we have always lived in tribes, in families and in communities. It is the way we are designed and if we isolate ourselves we usually suffer.
The structure of today’s society leaves much room for isolation. Because we are taught to be independent, some of us feel like a failure if we’re not coping with life and, instead of asking for help to get through a tough situation, we withdraw. We have forgotten what real community is all about — a lot of people don’t even know their neighbours, let alone chat regularly with them. Extended families are often separated through career obligations or the breakdown of relationships, leaving a growing number of people facing the reality of loneliness.
Getting involved with a community organisation can be very helpful both to you and to the people you serve; there are many networks out there through business, hobbies or sport that foster friendship and community. And, as well as all that community service, never feel guilty about catching up for coffee or planning a girls’ night out! Women have a great way of talking through their problems and issues, so treasure that time and realise how important it is to your health!
Inner Connectedness
Fostering a quiet connection with yourself is absolutely one of the most important ways to recharge your life. Yes, it’s challenging to stop, but if you don’t do it you can too easily end up living through a crazy cycle of doing what everyone expects of you and not knowing your own purpose.
So make time for yourself, adopt a habit of quiet meditation and prayer, indulge yourself in a massage, attend a yoga class or spend some time in nature — it is during this time that you will regain your inner strength, develop awareness of your spiritual and physical body, and tune in to areas that need your attention. For more on ‘Me time — my time’ go to page 107 in our book 'Like Chocolate For Women'.
Nature Connectedness
Our connection with nature flows through our veins, we are a part of it and it is where we see the wonder of life itself. Yet when was the last time you noticed that beautiful song coming from the bird outside, a flower unfolding, the amazing sunrise or sunset, or even stopped to watch a butterfly go past. These little things can bring us refreshing awareness and reconnect us. Make an effort to get out in nature, and when you’re at work or home use aromatherapy to bring the therapeutic scents of nature inside — you’ll bring balance and pleasure to your busy day. Try vaporising a blend of Cypress, Eucalyptus and Pine (2 drops of each added to the water in your vaporiser) or the beautiful 'Immune Boost' blend to bring the outdoors in.
We see the power of connection every time we run a workshop, do a SPArkle Experience or speak to a group of women. Connectedness has the power to change lives! Money can’t buy connection with others — it requires you to give of yourself, which inherently rewards you back tenfold. When we moved countries we felt the power of connectedness; hardly knowing anyone, we fostered friendships and joined associations to help us feel part of the community. And as we did we met amazing people whose friendship and encouragement allowed us to settle in so easily.
A sense of belonging is a great feeling!
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