The theme for this years mental health awareness week is reconnecting. As we speak I’m reconnecting with family and friends in my country of birth, England. There’s been so much disruption and uncertainty over the last couple of years there’s a lot we lost connection with. Our social lives, routines, the ways of work we were used to, the things we perhaps took for granted as well as our own health in some cases. Habits we lost as life changed or bad habits we gained in a bid to support ourselves through the new normal. It feels like a good time to take stock and reconnect.
Time to reconnect with the people, hobbies, routines and life we value and the things we know help us thrive. I think one of the most important connections we have is the one with ourselves and many of us feel disconnected from who we are after the last couple of years. It’s not just the pandemic either, the evolution of social media and our online world means we’ve become increasingly disconnected from ourselves.
In a world where we’re so connected online we have lost the real connections that matter much of the time. It is true that sometimes we must disconnect first (from our virtual worlds) so we can reconnect (with ourselves and the real world).
Including nature 😊 When was the last time you went outside, took a walk, went to the beach? For no reason other than to be in nature? Without your phone or anyone else?
The connection we get from being in nature utilises all the senses and brings clarity and focus, which is why sometimes when I’m struggling for inspiration in the office or can’t solve a complex problem, it helps to take a stroll to clear my mind.
UK charity Mind suggest that time in nature is beneficial for those with depression, as it enhances mood and self-esteem and reduces anger, confusion, and tension. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce pain, and strengthen the immune system.
I am an advocate for ensuring we have an opportunity to disconnect so that we can reconnect. As the saying goes there’s no wifi in the forest but you’ll get a better connection.
Maybe turn your work device off over the weekend, have a TV-free night each week, resolve not to check Facebook every day, or even better, take a technology detox break, maybe when you go on your annual vacation, and see what it does for you.
Sometimes we need to disconnect so we can reconnect with our real selves and not give way to the many distractions in our lives. This brings the clarity we need to make good decisions and to listen to what we want and how we feel about the things that really matter.
Ever since I trained with buddhist monks and nuns I’ve been aware there is an ability to cultivate this connection within. It’s a place inside yourself where you can go when times get tough, when you need a break, to recentre, to gain perspective. It's a place that always bring calm and peace. This is reconnecting with ourselves.
As humans we’re very good at wanting to be anywhere other than where we are. What we often overlook is that that place exists within us and is accessible anytime we just need to cultivate it.
That means getting still, being comfortable not ‘doing’ and reducing our busyness to find moments of pause in our lives, to still our minds. To listen to what’s really going on within. The stuff that’s often easier to numb or ignore with our constant doing! Doing nothing should be the easier skill to master yet often it’s one of the hardest. It’s also one of the most beneficial in terms of our sustainability but also reconnecting with ourselves.
Getting still, finding your centre and being with the breath in the moment. That’s all it takes (and a lot of practice). We all have it, we’ve just forgotten it amid the busyness of life. The ability to reconnect.
It's the one reason I can stay calm in the face of chaos, remain optimistic about the future and has helped me overcome the tough times along the way. If you’d like some help and support with this get in touch and let’s see how we can work together.