This #mhaw2024 we’re talking about connection. An interesting topic that means so much to me and forms a chapter of my brand new book, out next month. We’re more connected than ever before online and yet also increasing lonely and unfulfilled. We’ve lost real connection in this world of hyper connectivity.

The connection we need for a better state of being comes in many forms. Connection to ourselves (who we are and what’s important), connection to each other (kindness and compassion) and connection to the present moment. Our loss of connection to nature is contributing to the climate crisis and a fundamental part of our wellness: green therapy is now prescribed by some doctors! There’s also the connection to something bigger, our sense of meaning and purpose that so many of us struggle to find in our work, leading to low employee satisfaction and engagement across the globe.

In the absence of connection, we feel lost. Like an untethered boat, we drift. In a world in which we are more connected than ever, we are also more disconnected, and more lonely. Nearly one in four people worldwide, which translates into more than a billion people, feel very or fairly lonely, according to a Meta-Gallup survey of people more than 140 countries. That study showed that 24% of people aged 15 and older self-reported feeling very or fairly lonely. Young adults ages 19 to 29 had the highest rates, at 27%.

We’re not lonely because we’re alone; we’re lonely because we’re disconnected. Connection means many things to me, not just a connection to each other socially but a connection to ourselves, to know who we are at our essence and also connect to something bigger than ourselves to bring about meaning and purpose. We often overlook the importance of connection to nature and our present moment too – both fundamental to our health and happiness.

We’re so connected to our virtual worlds and yet we’re so disconnected from ourselves, from each other, from the present and from a sense of deeper meaning. In a world of super connectivity, we’re starving for real connection, and this is contributing to the loneliness epidemic.

Ever since I trained with Buddhist monks and nuns, I’ve been aware there we all have an ability to cultivate this connection within. It’s a place inside yourself where you can go when times get tough or when you need a break: to recentre, to gain perspective. It's a place that always brings calm and peace. When we do this, we are 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. It is accessible anytime – we just need to cultivate it.

We need to get still, get comfortable not ‘doing’, and reduce our busyness to find moments of pause in our lives; to still our minds. We need to listen to what’s really going on within: the stuff that’s easier to numb or ignore with our constant doing.

Get still, find your centre and be with your breath, in the moment. That’s all it takes. We all have the ability to reconnect, we’ve just forgotten it amid the busyness of life. This is the one reason I can stay calm in the face of chaos and remain optimistic about the future. It has helped me overcome the tough times along the way.

It’s a topic close to my heart and a chapter of my new book so one I wanted to share with you ahead of its launch given that this week in MHAW and we’re talking about connection!

How might you disconnect to reconnect this MHAW week?

Get your copy of my brand new book or join me on tour next month and let’s connect in person.