Connecting

I’ve been reflecting on the art of connection lately, and I find myself questioning what it truly means. In my self-deprecating humor, I often joke to mask the discomfort that intimacy brings. Yet, beneath the surface, I discover the profound beauty of connecting more deeply with myself. Intimacy—whether with ourselves or others—can be daunting. My experiences have taught me that closeness often opens the door to potential pain. To love is to risk loss; to be close is to witness the fragility of humanity. Opening ourselves exposes us to the ebb and flow of emotions, reducing the control we think we have over our surroundings.

Initially, this concept feels terrifying. If I keep everything tightly locked away—my feelings, my vulnerabilities—then I can shield myself from sadness and hurt, right? Yet, I’ve learned that this approach is fundamentally flawed. When we close ourselves off, our energy begins to clench under the strain of that protection. Our vibrational energy lowers, and our physical bodies can become stagnant and unwell. We can distract ourselves with the busyness of our fast-paced world, but eventually, our bodies will demand attention and voice the pain of our disconnection.

I realize now that much of my earlier healing focused solely on mental strategies—talking, thinking, analyzing. While these were valuable steps, they were merely surface-level fixes. Healing, I’ve come to understand, is like maintaining a complex machine. Just as a car cannot function properly if only the engine is repaired, we must tend to all parts of ourselves. If we neglect any aspect—emotional, physical, or spiritual—eventually, we will break down.

So, what does this have to do with connection? As I’ve begun to care for myself as an interconnected system, I’ve found that my capacity to soothe, heal, and love has expanded. By focusing on the intricate components that make up my being, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my own divinity and my connection to the vastness beyond our material existence—the forces that govern the universe and nurture life.

This heightened awareness allows me to deepen my practices and embrace a greater contentment with who I am, what I have, and where I am in this moment. Living as a human in today’s world is undoubtedly challenging. Whether we engage deeply with our feelings or rush through life, we all experience anxiety, stress, and fear. There are entire industries built around addressing these discomforts, but the truth is, being human is hard.

I offer no quick solutions, for I believe there is no single remedy. Yet, I see clearly that caring for ourselves—embracing our uniqueness—can ease our struggles. Each of us, over 8 billion strong, is a complex system of cells working together. Like cars, we operate best when all our systems are in harmony, nurtured through care and attention. By connecting with ourselves and with each other, we can honor our shared humanity and find solace in the presence of others.

Being human is indeed hard, but it is also the journey we are meant to undertake. Amidst the highs and lows, the most profound experience we can share is love. Love for ourselves, for one another, for our existence, and for the world around us—this is pure magic. Though we may linger in our challenges, if we choose to embrace the high vibration of love, we can flow like the clearest water or the warmest light.

May we all choose to connect more deeply. May we all choose love.

xo Chelsea