Tuesday, August 3, 2021

What does Connecting look like?

Kristi Baxter

The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives. As humans we are social creatures and thrive on connecting with others. Some people have lots of connections, others have fewer deeper connections. Connecting can take many forms and I think the last 18 months has certainly impacted how we think about connecting. I’ve zoomed my way through COVID both personally and professionally and it’s worked, but I have been SO happy to be with people again, to hug (yes, I’m a hugger), to feel their energy, to connect on a personal level. While I’m thankful for the technology that we have to enable connection, there is no substitute for being with people, feeling their energy, joy and essence.

So what does connecting look like for me? It’s a broad spectrum from deep conversations, coffee or wine with friends or sometimes being with people and letting the silence speak. I’ve connected on a deeper level with my husband and kids during COVID as well, through multiple shared experiences, the closeness of being together all the time enjoying and appreciating the little moments that make life; laughing, loving and being present with each other.

Connecting with nature also fills up my cup, whether hiking, a long walk on the beach or an early morning bike ride. I love to quiet my mind and listen to the sounds of the birds, water or wind. Feeling connected to mother earth feeds my soul as much as connecting with people.

Brene Brown has a wonderful reflection on connection that articulates its essence beautifully:

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”