Connection

Photo by Susiebloom

I kept bumping into the word connection again and again throughout the holiday season. I read and heard many expressions of gratitude to connect with family, reconnect with friends, and excitement to make new connections. Some were even hoping to establish a better connection with themselves in the new year. I can relate to each of these sentiments. Connection is key. We are social creatures by nature. Even the most introverted person experiences cravings to connect, if only with immediate family, very close friends and coworkers, or a beloved pet.

One Christmas card I received said, "This year has brought its share of blessings and challenges, but above all, it has reminded us of the importance of connection. We watched the seasons change, celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and achievements, and shared laughter and stories around the dinner table. The holiday season is a time to give thanks for the love that surrounds us, the friendships that sustain us, and the special memories we create together."

I couldn't agree more.

As humans, we are wired for connection - biologically, emotionally, and socially. It shapes everything about us as we develop. Connection helps us literally survive and grow. From infancy, our brains develop through our relationships. There was a study about large numbers of babies in Eastern European orphanages who died from severe neglect and lack of human connection. On the contrary, feeling seen and understood helps regulate stress and builds confidence. Through genuine connection we feel a sense of belonging and purpose, we learn empathy and communication, we cope better with challenges and change. We aren't as prone to loneliness, anxiety, and depression when we are making meaningful connections with others.

Healthy family connections provide safety and emotional grounding. We begin to shape our identity, values, and cultural norms at home. Strong connections within families helps develop trust and resilience. When families communicate and care for one another, it creates stability that carries over into school, work, and friendships. I saw and felt this as a child, seeking consistent connection after my parents divorce and moving between them often. In my work with youth and families, I saw some struggle so much more because they did not have the stability and connection at home that they needed. I have seen it in my own home as a wife and mother. When we are connecting as a family, spending time together, listening to each other, truly caring for each other, we experience so much more joy and feel so much more love. At various times in our thirty years together, disconnect between my husband and I has nearly ended our marriage. I'm glad it didn't. Significant connection is essential.

"In a world of algorithms, hashtags, and followers, know the importance of true human connection."

Connection Quotes

Connection is the foundation of a functioning society. Connecting within our communities helps us cooperate, understand perspectives different from our own, and take responsibility for the well-being of others. Communities rely on people believing they are linked. The things we say and do affect others. Connection fosters compassion across cultures, increased collaboration, and a sense of shared humanity. Connection gives life meaning.

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of it's members."

Coretta Scott King

In addition to social and family connections, spiritual connection plays an important role in shaping our lives. For many, spirituality provides a meaning and purpose that goes far beyond our individual and social relationships. Feeling connected to something greater than ourselves can offer tremendous comfort, guidance, clarity, and hope, especially during challenging times.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Jesus Christ

"Love one another as I have loved you."

Jesus Christ

From a very early age I was taught that I am a child of God and that He loves me. I was taught that we are all children of God, part of one giant spiritual family, never alone, and loved beyond measure. My connection with God has shaped every other connection in my life. To me, God and Jesus Christ are The Great Connectors. When I maintain my connection with Them, life is more joyful and more manageable. I have more hope and gratitude, I feel loved and more at peace, and want to connect better with others, want to be more loving and kind, patient and generous.

"We are...part of a vast, invisible and complex network where every connection matters and every child of God contributes to collective strength and well-being."

Susana Silva

Connection creates loving bonds that cultivate unity and promote peace. No matter how dark, dismal, or destructive this world tries to be, let's continue to connect. Let's love one another and share goodness. Let's be there for others and let others be there for us. We're in this together.

Keep blooming,