How to Feel Connected

We live in a highly connected time. The internet, social media, emails, and texts connect us to one another. Our phones connect to our tablets and to our computers. We can connect from anywhere in the world to our home and change the temperature or lock the doors. We can have face-to-face conversations with someone halfway around the world. We are more connected than ever.

But do you feel connection? Do you feel more connected? Or less?

Yes we are making lots of connections but they’re shallow.

What we are craving, more than anything, is deep connection. Not lots of them, but just a few.

Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the technology, and the emails, and the Google, and the cloud, and all that. After all, it’s technology that’s allowing you to read my words. But truth be told, as hard as I’m trying to connect with you right now, I just can’t. I am only pixels on a screen to you.

You don’t need pixels on a screen. You need connection. Heart connection. You need to be able to be seen, heard, and known by someone.

Do you feel seen? Is there someone in your life who sees into the depths of you, has seen you, but even more importantly accepts you just the way you are, warts and all?

Do you feel heard? Is there someone who not only just listens to you, but hears the essence of what you’re really trying to say?

Do you feel known? Is there someone who knows your tendencies, your character, values, dreams, fears, strengths, and weaknesses?

It’s a human need, this connection stuff.

When we feel connection, it leads to happiness.

When we don’t have the need met, it leads to all sorts of problems, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Apparently, this connection stuff is important. But where do you begin?

With you.

What if you be that person for someone else? What if you start the connection? What if you connected with a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or a stranger?

What if you see someone else? Don’t just look at them, but peer into their eyes and see your brother or sister in there. See their struggles and pain. See their dreams and loves. See their inner spark. And accept them. Don’t judge them or try to fix them. For now, just accept them.

What if you hear someone? Don’t just listen, mmmhmm-ing along, waiting for your turn to speak. Hear them. What are they trying to say? Why are they saying what they’re saying? What is behind their words and their silence, their actions and their hesitancies?

What if you really tried to know someone? Ask them meaningful questions about what motivates them, their dreams, their fears. Empathize with them. Walk in their shoes for just a bit. Learn their tendencies, their character, their values, and recognize their unique-ness.

We crave connection. We need connection. Connection fills the soul, nourishes the heart, and ignites the spark. Connection makes life meaningful and worthwhile.

But connection is a two-way street. Start the connection. And see if you just might feel more connected.

Who can you connect to today? A spouse, a child, a parent? A friend, a co-worker, a stranger?

How can you see them? How will you hear them? How will you really get to know them?

As a bonus, not only will you feel the connection, but so will they. Not only will it benefit your life, but theirs too.

Here’s to Conquering Stress,

The Stress Experts