It’s All Connected.

“As a matter of fact, we are wired for connection. It’s in our biology. From the time we are born, we need connection to thrive emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually.” — Brené Brown

I had a lot of “a ha” moments while reading Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection (I highly recommend it!). But for me the single biggest take away was this idea of our biological need for connection and how connection is essential to our overall success and wellbeing.

After much reflection on this topic, I would tend to agree but I would also suggest that connection isn’t just a personal/individual need. Connection is also needed by communities. Essential to the wellness of ourselves, others and our communities is connection; connection to our self, connection to others, and connection to our communities.

Connection to ourselves

“Throughout New Brunswick, we are recognizing our capacity, knowledge and assets, within ourselves and our environments, to positively impact wellness. It’s about owning what we can do to become more well and working together to create healthier, more supportive communities for all.” — New Brunswick Wellness Strategy

Practicing being present, mindfulness and reflection can lead to a stronger connection to one’s self and to your environment. This stronger connection to self builds capacity for self-compassion, a clearer sense of self, identifying personal values, goals, and strengths.

Nurturing and growing this self-relationship and connection takes conscious effort. The way one chooses to nurture this vital relationship is personal and different for everyone; it could be a daily meditation practice, going for a run in nature, or getting a massage. Whatever feels true for you and allows the mind to clear. There is no right or wrong way to create that connection with yourself, but it always is enlightening and time well spent.

Connecting inwardly allows us to show up better for our own self, the people we love and the communities we choose to be a part of.

Connection to Others

The positive effects to our overall wellness gained from connecting with others is undeniable. Studies show that social connection (the experience of feeling close to and sense of belongingness with others) improves physical health, mental and emotional well-being. These connections have shown increased longevity, stronger immunity, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and higher self-esteem (building on that self-connection!) and greater capacity for empathy.

Connecting with others around a shared interest or goal is how so many vibrant groups form. From Yoga classes, sports teams, book clubs, to volunteer groups, the number of ways people connect is endless. These communities built on shared interest and connected people move in one direction as they collectively strive to achieve their goals. A sports teams wants to make playoffs, individuals attending a yoga class want to breathe a little deeper, book club members crave meaningful conversations and a group of volunteers want to feed the hungry. The fellowship and kinship offered from these social connections builds for all involved a sense of safety and community where we feel encouraged and supported.

Often, social connections lead to positive peer pressure that holds us more accountable and motivates us to do and be more than we would if left to ourselves. When we are connected to others we are more likely to achieve common group goals and our own individual goals. There is power in numbers, even if that number is two. Be honest, raise your hand if you’re more likely to go to that 6:00 am spin class if you know you’ve committed to your friend to go with them? I know I am!

Connection to Community

A natural pair, connection and community are deeply entangled.

“Communities are at the heart of action on wellness. Healthy communities provide opportunities to access affordable housing, transportation, healthy and nutritious foods, education, employment, recreational pursuits, clean air and water, and a safe and nurturing environment.” — New Brunswick Wellness Strategy

When people are actively involved in their communities, they feel more socially connected, have a stronger sense of belonging and are more likely to contribute to the development of healthy communities. Communities flourish and become healthy communities when they are connected to people who are actively contributing and who feel a sense of belonging and connection to their community.

Building a Foundation

We are biologically wired for connection. It is vital to our wellness and the wellness of our communities. If this is true, then strong wellness foundations are built by creating strong connections.

Wellness isn’t simple or flat. Rather, it is circular, complex and intertwined into many aspects of our lives. There is no ending, there is no start, it’s continuous. When we tap into ourselves, tap into others and tap into our communities, we are contributing to the wellness of ourselves, the wellness of others and the wellness of our communities.

It’s about connection and It’s all connected.