As an introvert, I tend to consider myself a loner; a contented loner. I am happy with, and in, my own company, and I can quite happily not connect with other people.
And yet, when we look at the bigger picture, we are all connected. We are all part of this universe and we are sharing space with each other, and with everything, and every other being.
With that realisation, I have been more aware about my action, my thoughts and my feelings. Whatever we perceive, whatever we think and whatever we do, there is a knock on effect. There is an energetic shift and that causes a ripple effect outward. If you believe in the law of attraction, then it surely is down to this interconnectedness we have with the universe.
What we give out, we attract back.
I love this quote from Albert Einstein, “A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
To feel more connected to others it’s important that we first connect to ourselves. When we connect to ourselves we’re also able to create lives that are meaningful and fulfilling. So here are 5 ways to improve your connection with yourself, on or off your yoga mat:
- Notice your feelings. What feelings and emotions arise in any given situation?
- Name your feelings. When you notice a shift in how you are feeling, name it! What are you actually feeling? Frustration? Anger? Sadness? By naming the emotion you are feeling, you are owning it and bringing it into the light.
- Acceptance. Once you have acknowledged and named your feelings, you will move towards acceptance of how you are feeling and acceptance of the situation at that moment in time, without judgement. There is no “right” or “wrong” emotion. There is just what you feel.
- Get on your yoga mat! (or, do something enjoyable by yourself). Engaging in solo activities will deepen the connection you have with yourself.
- Be compassionate … with yourself.
So start today.
Cultivate and nurture the connection you have with yourself. YOU are the one person you will spend the rest of your life with.
Connect with yourself daily. Focus on your feelings, let go of judgement and be kind.
One step, thought and feeling, at a time.
