How to have More Connection

”Washington, how much connection do you think you have in your life? This week's article helps us to define connection and to find ways for us to increase our sense of connection. We hope you enjoy this article!

Reading time: 4 Minutes

MWi Hacks:

Discover ways to have more connection in your life.

MWi Summary:

Brené Brown’s Definition of Connection: Connection is the energy between people when they feel truly seen, heard, and valued, enabling them to give and receive without judgment, and drawing strength from their relationships.
Types of Connection: Connection can be physical (touch and closeness), emotional (trust and vulnerability), mental (intellectual exchange), or spiritual (shared beliefs or purpose).
The Importance of Connection: Connection is essential for our well-being and fulfillment, preventing isolation and negative emotions. It allows us to explore, create, love, and be our authentic selves.

Brené Brown, the wonderful human that she is, defines 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.”

That’s a world-class definition, right? I thought so too.

Many times, we think of connection as the standard: you + me. That’s wrong. Connection is so much more than two people, as connection can be seen physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually (to name a few). When you think of connection, I want you to picture a link between yourself and someone else or yourself and something else. This “link” will be the beginning of your connection.

Types of Connection

To better understand connection, it’s important to become familiar with common types of connection.

Physical – the power of touch, physical closeness and close proximity; this can be platonic, romantic, athletic, familial, etc.

Emotional – the power of vulnerability, trust and emotional intimacy; this can be sharing secrets, asking for advice, sharing knowledge, etc.

Mental – the power of acceptance, abstract thinking and theoretical conditions; this can be expressing thoughts, discussing perspectives, embracing intellect, etc.

Spiritual – the power of believing, searching for a greater good; this can be reading, writing, singing, talking, praying, etc.

These types of connection are how we relate to one another, how we interact with one another, and how we link ourselves to one another. We can also feel a connection to things such as music, art, film, poetry, animals and athletics. But even with these connections, what’s the point?

The Importance of Connection

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, connection is a link. A link for something closer, a link for something more meaningful. Connection is essential for our functioning – on any level. We need connection in order to survive, to find purpose, and to feel fulfilled. Connection is the key for many doors and it’s important that we embrace it.

When we lack connection, we can feel alone and isolated. These feelings can be triggering, which have the potential to create intense negative feelings that may become overwhelming. Not only will having a connection to someone or something be helpful during trying times, but they can also help prevent trying times from happening.

Ways to Find Connection

Seeking out connection can be intimidating. Where do I start? How do I know if it’s authentic? There are so many moving parts when establishing a connection that it’s tough to find a starting point.

Here are some easy ways to start finding a connection: