Cultivate Meaningful Connection

Cultivate deep, personal connections for your mind, body and soul
Experience oneness with the people in your life
Invite shared laughter, joy, and compassion into every day.

‍

‍

In her latest book, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Best-selling author Brené Brown defines connection as "the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued."

We know it when we feel it--Connection is vital for our well-being, and allows us to experience the joy of being alive and in harmonious relation with other human beings. Deep, personal connections are good for the mind, body, and soul--they benefit our health, keep our minds engaged and sharp, and inspire passion and creativity.

Here are a couple of tips for cultivating connection in your life:

1. Start small, to build something beautiful

As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...Setting an intention to cultivate more connection in our lives is a great start--but it can be helpful to break this down into smaller goals and manageable steps. In this way, single actions come together over time to form a habit of loving kindness and joy that permeates every aspect of our day, and radiates outward through all our connections.

‍

Simple ways to cultivate connection every day

Call a friend
Encourage someone
Ask for help or advice
Plan one-on-one time
Practice active listening
Help someone
Share something personal about myself
Share a laugh
Talk to someone new
Complete a shared activity
Let someone know you were thinking of them
Share a story
Practice being present with others

‍

Deepen your daily practice with the Connection Journal

The checklist above is actually taken directly from the Connection Journal. This 90-day journal supports you daily, intentional efforts to establish and maintain meaningful connections with family, friends, and yourself.

Each day is divided into two sections, "Record" and "Reflect." The first section is a place for you to record your goals and actions. The second section provides an opportunity for you to reflect on how your efforts throughout the day contributed to your overall feelings of connectedness.

‍

2. Keep an open mind and a peaceful heart

Another truism: You can't pour from an empty cup. In order to be present for others you must first be present for yourself. Seek out nourishing experiences, and find simple ways to promote a relaxing, healing atmosphere in your home.

An easy way to immediately shift the energy in a space is by burning a stick of incense, or lighting a candle. Just this small action, done regularly, is a signal to your brain that you are home, that this is a peaceful space, that it is time to relax and set aside the cares of the outside world. Rest and be refreshed!

‍

Enjoy the Connection Candle | Relaxing Sandalwood and Vanilla

This candle is made from soy and coco wax, in a pink ceramic cup decorated with minimalist golden line art inspired by the essence of love and connection. It is infused with essential oils of sandalwood and vanilla for calm and loving thoughts. 11 ounces, burn time 45 hours.

‍

3. Develop a Connection Perspective

Over time, with gentle encouragement and persistent effort, you can transform the way you relate to the world and the people in your life--By shifting your perspective and seeking small moments of connection throughout your day, you are actually training your mind to think in a new way. If you practice, it will become easier to identify these little moments, and bring joy and love into your interactions with other people--not to mention feeling better yourself!

‍

Draw encouragement and inspiration from the wisdom of others

The Connection Mini Book is a tiny book of inspirational quotes from world thinkers, all centered around the idea of connection. If you are seeking to foster more connection in your life, this is a way to remind yourself every day of the beauty and strength of human relationships, and how your small steps can lead to great happiness.

‍

“We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known,
and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection.
Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow..."

~Brené Brown, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience