The power of connection

‘We really connected’ - we all know how it feels when we truly connect with someone. We feel seen and heard. We immediately build a level of trust with the other person. Conversation flows and we probably leave with a smile on our face after that meaningful connection.

When did you truly connect with someone the last time? When did you truly connect with yourself the last time? Or even the Earth?

The world is filled with constant noise and distraction, it’s easy to feel disconnected—from ourselves, from others, and from the natural world around us. Yet, amidst the chaos, there exists a profound truth: the power of connection has the ability to heal, uplift, and transform our lives in ways we never imagined.

But what is ‘connection’?

I first started to use the word ‘connected’ when my yoga practice led me to uncover my deepest wounds and the facets of my ego. Tapping into my breath helped me to access deeper levels in my own being and allowed for profound self-reflection and a new self-awareness and self-acceptance of my body, mind and heart.

In its core, connection begins within ourselves. It’s about tuning into our innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires with compassion and curiosity. When we cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance, we lay the foundation for authentic connection to flourish.

But connection doesn’t stop there. It extends beyond the boundaries of our own beings, reaching out to embrace our fellow humans and the earth itself. When we forge meaningful connections with others, we tap into a wellspring of empathy, understanding, and belonging that enriches our lives immeasurably.

And when we reconnect with the natural world, we rediscover our place in the web of life, finding solace, inspiration, and awe in its beauty and complexity. We are able to put things into perspective and maybe stop taking ourselves so serious.

So, you might ask - how can we nurture and cultivate connection in our daily lives? Here are three simple yet powerful practices to consider:

Practice Presence

Take moments throughout your day to pause, breathe, and fully immerse yourself in the present moment. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with loved ones, taking a walk in nature, or simply savouring a quiet moment alone, allow yourself to be fully present and engaged with whatever is unfolding around you.

An easy way to check in whether or not you are present, is to check in with your breath. Are you holding your breath or are you only breathing through your chest? That is likely a sign that you are experiencing a moment of stress. Check in with yourself and start by consciously inhaling and exhaling, for at least 3 times, even better 9 times. You might even want to place one hand on your heart and the other one on your belly to truly check in with your breathing.

Cultivate Empathy

Make an effort to truly listen to others with an open heart and mind, seeking to understand their perspectives and experiences without judgment or preconceptions. A fellow coach once told me that we have likely something in common with almost everyone. Find that commonality and make it the anker of your relationship to ultimately connect more deeply with any human being. Empathy is the bridge that connects us to one another, fostering deeper understanding, compassion, and connection in our relationships.

Connect with Nature

Spend time outdoors, whether it’s gardening, hiking, or simply walking barefoot in the grass or snug in the grass to feel earth beneath you. There is a reason why we always send our kids outside to play. Speaking for my toddler, it’s the easiest way to calm him - simply going outside or even just looking outside. Nature calms him. It calms all of us. Tune into the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world, allowing yourself to be fully present and attuned to its rhythms and beauty.

Imagine yourself at your last beach vacation - you feel the sand between your toes, the wind in your hair, you are essentially exposed to all 5 elements at the same time. That’s why we feel a sense of calm when we are by the beach.

But we don’t have to wait for our next beach vacation to connect with Earth. I started to make space to go outside and ground myself, through Earthing. The negative ions from the earth help neutralizing free radicals in our bodies and literally recharge you. Beyond the health benefits, while you reconnect with the earth, you’ll find yourself feeling more grounded, inspired, and connected to something greater than yourself.

In the end, the power of connection lies in our willingness to open our hearts, minds, and souls to the beauty and wonder of the world around us. As we cultivate connection within ourselves, with each other, and with the earth, we create a tapestry of love, compassion, and belonging that enriches our lives and nourishes our spirits in profound and transformative ways.

If this approach resonates with you, like, comment and share it with your friends and follow me on Instagram for more tips on stepping into your power, self-care and living life unapologetically authentic as working mom of young ones.

About the author

Miriam Lesa is a multi-dimensional certified soul & life coach for women, nutritionist, yoga teacher and business strategist, practicing the art of slow living since almost 10 years. Her heart is at the intersection between wellbeing, motherhood and business.

Attuned to corporate life and navigating C-Suite for 15 years, yet grounded in peace, intuition and connections, she is deeply passionate about supporting women, especially working moms to access their inner compass to ignite their strength and live a life in abundance.

Born and raised in Germany, Miriam now lives with her husband and son in Toronto since 2018.