Finding connection in an apparently "connected" world

I feel safe when I think about how young I am in comparison to how much time I have left on this earth.

I have so much time that it almost feels as if I will live forever. But what will happen to these thoughts (or non-thoughts) when I am eighty years old and that safety of knowing I have time is no longer there? I expect I might die, slowly and quietly, into the couch. Or will knowing I have a few years left make me want to live more fully?

If I could live each day like it's my last I expect I would be somewhere else (in some exotic country climbing mountains?), but I don't think it's possible to constantly believe you are dying every day.

What I do believe is that it's these bubbles that we live in - culturally, environmentally, and in our own minds - that limit our worlds. Disconnecting ourselves from the world. Falling into our phones. What we think we can and cannot do, and who we think we are or are not creates this impossible feeling. This impossibility of being something else, or finding your way out.

In the book, “Lost Connections” journalist Johann Hari discovers that depression and anxiety can be caused by this disconnection from who we are and where we fit in our environments, cultures and minds.

Disconnection from meaningful work - when we are disconnected from work that provides a sense of purpose, autonomy, and fulfilment, it can lead to mental health problems.

Disconnection from other people - The breakdown of meaningful relationships and isolation can contribute to our mental health. A lack of social support and disconnectedness from others can be a significant factor.

Disconnection from meaningful values - when people’s lives are not aligned with their core values and they are forced to live in ways that contradict their beliefs, it can lead to dysregulation. Creating a life that aligns with personal values and exploring ways to create a life that aligns with one’s authentic self.

Disconnection from nature - the downfall of urbanisation and modern lifestyles that often separate people from nature. He explores research suggesting that spending time in natural environments and having a connection with the natural world can have positive effects on mental health.

Disconnection from a hopeful or secure future - the impact of societal factors, such as economic inequality, instability, and a lack of prospects for a secure and hopeful future

The main idea for this week: find connection this weekend. Whether it's from nature, a friend or meaningful work. Connect with something that is so valuable to you, you might explode. Do it for at least an hour over the weekend. You could then do it for ten minutes every day after that for 30 days, and by that point, my friend, you will create a habit of something that you love deeply, and therefore you create meaning out of a void that you probably need filling.

Sending you all so much love,

Meagan

As always you can connect with @megandtheboys