Cultivating Connection
"No man is an island entire of itself...Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind."
John Donne (1624)
From connection to oneliness is the best way I can explain the impact of social distancing on me. In a blink of an eye my social connections severed, giving me time and space to reflect. My oneliness meant I got to review my connections, assess my empathy, care and humility, I read, listened to audiobooks and podcasts. Oneliness replaced connectedness.
We are not meant to do this alone.
Researchers have identified 3 dimensions that reflect the full range of high quality social connections that we need in order to thrive. When any of these 3 dimensions of relationships are absent, we feel disconnected.
Intimate or emotional loneliness - a close confidante or intimate partner
Relational or social loneliness - quality friendships and social companionship
Collective - a network or community of people who share our sense of purpose and interests.
Saving lives, stopping the spread of this deadly virus is the right thing to do.
In the UK we have started 'circuit breaks' and regional lockdowns, in an attempt to slow the spread of a second spike, whilst hundreds of students return to university. I know I am not the only one concerned by the impact lockdown has had on all our mental health, maybe more so our young and old? Seeing students isolated in halls of residence hit me hard.
The fabric of our society is the connections we make; family, friends, colleagues and communities. As connections erode to save lives, our technological competence is expanding.
Hallelujah for the internet!
Helping family, friends and colleagues embrace technology has helped me.
Again long spoons.
With daily Covid data downloads, what can we do to cultivate connection today?
Get creative. Im exploring diverse ways to stay connected in my; communities, friends and clients. Hosting daily, weekly and monthly Zoom calls, bringing experts into my equestrian communities, building on the1st Equitation Welfare Workshop in August with new workshops for 2021 planned, and cultivating meaningful collaborations with global influencers.
A blogging blow out! Im blogging more to keep connected. Make new connections.
Planned and unplanned physically distanced conversations in the open (less than 6 of course!)
Join me on World Mental Health Day, 11am in Coffee With Horse Lovers to discuss more ways to cultivate connections, meaningful collaborations and embrace this unique opportunity to explore our oneliness with mental health expert Janine Allison.
Lisa
xxx
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