Reflection, relaxation… and connection

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

Taking time to reflect, the importance of relaxation and the human need for connection are all things that I’m continually learning to practice and appreciate more.

When these three things are lacking, I’m aware that I’m not my best self, and I know I need to be my best self to serve others… essentially I’m out of balance.

During the middle part of this year I hit a wall in which I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted and I knew I needed to do something to bring myself back out of the frame of mind I’d dropped into.

It doesn’t come easy to me to ask for help, it’s something I have to learn to get better at. But this was a time I knew if I didn’t ask for, and accept support I would continue to struggle.

I’m fortunate to have the most wonderful network around me, with a loving family and supportive friends, and it’s these people that lifted me back up through a variety of ways.

Sometimes the timing of things are serendipitous and just at the time I was feeling on the cliff edge my good friend Nikki was in the middle of launching a new healing technique called Breathing Space which is a method for releasing stress.

Well, what can I say, other than “WOW”! The experience I had through exploring the benefits of Breathing Space was extraordinary and uplifting. Not only this, Nikki took the time to personally guide me through a releasing session which enabled me to let go of all the negative emotions I’d built up and was holding. Personally I gain a deep level of relaxation when I take time to experience practices like Breathing Space, along with Yoga and mindful meditation. It does however take a conscious effort to ensure I engage in these practices regularly.

I’m a believer that we have to take committed action to help ourselves in growing, yet sometimes experiences just come to us naturally. So alongside the new techniques and learnings from Nikki I also took great strength and joy from the support I received from a special group of wonderful girlfriends. The connectedness I’ve felt from these very special ladies over 2020 has been immeasurable. More often than not, it’s not the grand gestures or big events, it’s just the little moments, being there at just the time I need a lift. That sense of connection is oftentimes enough to bring you back to a positive place. It’s these ladies I’ve practiced reflecting and journaling with, sharing together both the highs and the lows. The therapeutic benefits of reflection and journaling is a new habit that I am consciously going to keep in my life.

What do you do when you feel like your mindset is slipping into a place which doesn’t serve you well? How regularly do you take time to truly nurture yourself through relaxation? How connected are you really to the people you love and care for? I know, for me, that although this year are been unique (to say the least) that I’ve become more connected to people that are special to me than ever before.

Brené Brown sums connectedness up so beautifully … “as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

Stay connected, keep reflecting and make time for relaxation. It’s these things that will help you to successfully DREAM BIG : BELIEVE BIGGER

With thanks to…
Nikki … for your guidance, love and friendship.
Carrie, Lesley & Suze … you’ve done more for me than you’ll realise, just by being there xx

If you are curious to learn more about Breathing Space and the amazing work of Nikki J Owen take a look here: http://www.thehealinghub.uk