Power of our Human Connection on how we show up for others
Photo Credit: Sebastian Pichler on Unsplash
This World Mental Health Day
I am reflecting on the power of our human connection in how we hold space and support others.
Neuroscience shows that humans are hardwired to connect with each other. It is these connections that give us purpose, meaning, and forming a bond where we feel seen and valued. Creating true and authentic connections helps us to generously support others - with kindness, love, empathy and compassion.
However, sometimes the simplest questions don’t get asked as we scramble to help with unwanted advice - when all that is needed is to meet the other person where they are, to open your heart and mind, listen and observe deeply, and give them your uninterrupted connection.
From my own experience navigating anxiety, it is the simplest of human connections (deeply listening and allowing a whole lot of silence) which have created moments of support that I still cherish. The friends who noticed my energy shift and asked, “How are you feeling?” and then listened deeply as I slowly opened up, or that boss who said “Fancy a walk?” when I was in the grips of anxiety at my desk, or my partner who simply sat in silence holding me and waiting for me to be ready to share.
Reflecting on these moments, I wanted to share a few ways to deepen our connections with others:
Listen deeply and without judgement, instead of trying to advise and share your own experience.
Ask what can I do to support you?
Ask if a walk and talk or sitting somewhere quiet might help to ground you? This question was always a key to me opening up - getting outside of the office or home office and into local nature immediately helps to ground me.
Give space and silence, not jumping in and interrupting and allow time for pauses.
Be present - bring your mind back onto what the other person is saying if it wanders off.
Conscious connection is at the heart of all of my work; including through one-to-one leadership coaching, corporate workshops and talks, and my JOY RE:VISION monthly membership.