Finding your humanity in a complex world
In a world where technology has seemingly taken over, it can be hard to feel connected to your humanity. Many things can contribute to this disconnection, like disease, anxiety, or depression.
Sometimes, it is just a simple feeling, a gut and heart sense, that something is missing. It can be challenging to find ways to reconnect with your authentic human nature and remember that we are all on this speck of dust, spinning around at 1,670 kilometres an hour through the universe. Rediscovering this connection, I believe, is critical today, not just for each of us as individuals but for the planet as a whole. Here are some initial steps you can take today to reconnect with your humanity.
Take some time for yourself
One of the essential steps in reconnecting with your humanity is taking time for yourself and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (the news, social media, task lists etc.). Taking even an hour a day for some alone time will help you get back in touch with who you are and what matters most. Whether it’s meditating, going for a walk, or just sitting in silence (remember that?)—whatever works best for you—make sure that you take the time out of your day to centre yourself and focus on what makes you, all of us, human.
Reach out to people in meaningful ways
It’s easy to forget how important meaningful relationships are when we’re constantly connected online but disconnected in our day-to-day lives. Make an effort each day to reach out via text, email, or phone call and check in on friends and family members who may also feel disconnected from their humanity due to their struggles with disease, anxiety, or depression. Talking openly about these issues can help create a sense of connection.
Engage
Engage in activities that bring joy and happiness into your life. This short life, this moment in time we are on this planet, can often be full of stress and worry; it’s important to ensure that amid all this chaos and toxicity, we still make room for activities that bring us joy, happiness and authentic connection. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby like painting or playing an instrument, engaging in physical activities like yoga or running, or just going out with friends on the weekend—taking part in activities that bring us joy will help foster feelings of connection within ourselves as well as those around us. Most importantly, engage with your friends, family, community and anyone suffering from loneliness.
Get Away from The Screen
Spend time outside when possible! Nature has long been linked with feelings of peace and relaxation, so whenever possible, try spending some time outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Going for a walk through nature trails or exploring local parks can help foster feelings of connection while simultaneously allowing us to observe the beauty around us without any distractions from technology or daily life worries! And if there isn’t access to nature nearby, simply sitting outside—just observing the beauty around without any technology—can help achieve similar effects!
Practice gratitude
No, really. Do it. Every single day! Practising gratitude is one simple way we can remind ourselves how lucky we truly are despite our current difficulties in life; by focusing on all the good things we have instead of dwelling on negatives, it helps put things into perspective and creates a sense of appreciation for all that surrounds us every single day. Writing down three things you are grateful for each day is a great—and simple—way to practice gratitude and reflect on all the amazing things life has given us thus far.
So start small today by implementing one step at a time until all five become second nature – soon enough, you’ll be finding yourself back home amongst fellow humans, ready to face any challenge together.
One people. One humanity. Diverse and unique, but still one. As my colleague Carol Vickers recently reminded me, a wool blanket is made of many single, beautiful, individual strands (with every pronoun, gender and possibility imaginable), but—all together—they make something whole.
Let’s not forget that. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
