Written by Cheryl Spieth Gardiner
“Connection: 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.” Brene’ Brown
Thanks for the invitation to blog, Ellen! To share a little secret with you all: Ellen said I could talk about anything as long as I do it from my heart. So, this is right from my heart reaching out to yours – a heartfelt connection. The connections that we make are vital to our health, our well being and to the joy we feel. Yes, it is about reaching out to others, to being fully present, really listening and accepting them without judgment and it is also about reaching into ourselves to do the same. To really connect, let’s add emotion and a lot of heart.
As a communication instructor, coach and speaker, I could talk research, statistics and what successful people say about how to connect. Today, I would like to talk to you more from my artist self, from that place where I am free to totally express myself openly from my heart. Whether I am working with clay, singing, painting, collecting images for a mixed media project, writing . . . or whatever, my heart is wide open and involved in what I am doing. The vital thing in all of this is that my heart is open and involved. When I am in that moment, I feel seen, heard and valued; I am accepted fully, there is no judgment and I am so nurtured. The connection is sublime, exquisite and life-affirming!
I questioned the cause of this exceptional feeling. How/where else do I experience it? I realized that the key component is all about having my heart fully open when I connect, whether I am talking and laughing with others, enjoying the lushness of spring or reflecting on something I did that day.
Daniel Goleman explores being biologically hardwired for connection. Dean Ornish’s work focuses on how connection and love are vital for survival. Brene’ Brown writes and speaks about embracing a wholehearted way of life for happiness and contentment. I have to totally agree to, and with, all!
I am wondering: If a person goes into a relationship, any relationship, with their heart open to an emotional connection, is the other person more apt to be open too, resulting in a deeper, richer connection? My hunch is yes, what do you think?
We are social animals and also use the internet to connect. How can we use a heart connection on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest? I heard a local social media guru said that SM is not about the statistics and how many ‘likes’ or followers one has. It is about connecting with others and how we help, support and nurture each other through those connections. Isn’t that ‘heart’ in action? Can we make heartfelt connections in cyberspace? What do you think, is it possible?
Thanks Ellen, this conscious exploration has been fun! Connecting with heart, no matter who or what we are connecting with, face-to-face or online, is vital to rich, deep and enduring relationships and to abundant joy in our lives! Blessings to all!
