Belonging and feeling connected

I have been struck this week by how many people find their own way of coping through activity and hobbies or their own mindfulness in things they enjoy. I was listening to a pod cast about the famous writer, Marian Keyes, who has a long episode of depression and found baking helped her get through the day. Then I was reading this post in planthunter and noted that being in nature, such as gardening, is something that can still the mind as well as reflect on things.

This article http://theplanthunter.com.au/culture/musing-natures-mysteries-pathway-mindfulness/ made me consider how engaging in things that are mysteriously beautiful, like the garden,  can help us be ok with not knowing and not having to fix, and thus, perhaps have a break from our anxieties.

We can be bombarded by advice about what we “should” be doing do make us happier, better, more successful.  We at In Dialogue often advocate for less doing, and more being, through reflecting on ourselves, our unique mix of traits and preferences we can choose a path that suits us.  In this lovely piece the writer takes us on her own journey of recognition of what is sustaining for her.

https://nosidebar.com/mediocre-life/

Reading this in The Guardian highlights how hard it is for people to disclose mental health issues affecting work. I hope there are more employers out there like this one – one who is genuine and doesn’t get it all perfect from the beginning but isn’t scared to try. Read The Guardian article here.

Lots of us struggle with loneliness. This article has some practices to help conquer loneliness.

An oldie but a goodie on Ted talks. Brene talks well about shame – she describes it simply as fear of disconnection. We are born wanting to connect with others.