Connection - Reflections on Disconnection, Loneliness, Belonging & Authenticity
In the past week, I’ve launched my Heart-Full Connection events. I hosted a Cuppa, ran a half-day women’s retreat, and yesterday I ran an online Virtual Cuppa & Conversation on ‘Connection - Disconnection, Loneliness & Belonging.
On the call in particular, I reflected on some of the research that Brené Brown has shared in the her book, ‘Atlas of the Heart’ regarding the importance of connection and the detrimental effects of loneliness, as well as the deep-seated human need for true belonging.
We talked about how in Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs (Connection to Others) - Love and Belonging are the third of 5 pillars; and that Connection to Self make up the 4th and 5th pillar, and how we are hardwired for connection—it gives purpose and meaning to our lives.
Genuine connection creates a sense of community and support that is vital for our emotional and psychological well-being.
But it’s not always easy to have strong connection with others. I recently listened to this Mel Robbins podcast on how to build closer friendships and get rid of loneliness and she reveals that research shows it take kids ~43 hours to make a friend... but for adults it takes closer to ~96 hours!
That's a long time to really get to know someone. And serves as a reminder of the effort we need to take when we recognise we don't have the tribe of support we'd like.
Brown writes in her book, Atlas of the Heart, that true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect true selves to the world, which fosters stronger and more meaningful relationships. But in order to show up authentically, embracing our vulnerability and being courageous enough to stand alone at times, rather than compromising our true selves for the sake of acceptance.
At each of these events, we talked about how it’s important to connect with all aspects of ourselves. I’ve created the Heart-Full Connection logo to represent these different aspects of each of us.
And in each of these events I shared a ‘Daily Check In’ meditation that connects to all of these aspects of self. (Shared below)
Connecting in through pausing, breath and meditation has been a foundational tool to help me better know myself and in turn, live authentically and purposefully.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve identified 9 essential practices that help me live authentically and purposefully - connected both to my own heart and more genuinely connected to others.
Pause - Connect - Breathe - Move - Nourish - Create - Play - Vision - Appreciate
With the launch of Heart-Full Connections Community, there are a number of ways to connect with other like-minded individuals also looking for authentic connection to self and others.
Here are some opportunities to Connect:
Online Circle & Self Study:
In 3 weeks time, I’ll be starting an online circle & self study - we’ll dive into these 9 practices in the Heart-Full Connection Online Circle & Self-Study, where we’ll focus each week on one area of focus that can help you better connect to your heart, break free from self-limiting beliefs & live more authentically.
Participants will receive journalling prompts and a short practice to explore.
(Recordings will be made available for those who miss the live call)
Live in Melbourne?
You can join us live for Heart-Full Connection: