Let’s chat about connection - one of the most important skills we can cultivate - but there are many aspects of life that pull us out of connection.
When do you feel most connected with yourself and with life in general?
Why do you think that is?
I feel most connected when I am on my bicycle. I think it’s because I don’t have any other distractions and I’m able to just be with myself in silence. I get some of my best ideas on the bike. I’m also not usually thinking about what I need to do, it’s just me, my body, my bicycle and wherever I happen to be riding.
Cycling is a way for me to ground myself - with the rhythmic movement, being in nature, and being open to whatever happens.
How about you? I’d love to hear your story of connection. (Create a free Substack account to comment and join the discussion!)
PS - This week I finalized the outline of the book and got started on several chapters. I’m deep into the chapter on the importance of the nervous system in understanding and overcoming binge eating. I’m trusting that it is all coming together in perfect timing! I’ll share more next week.
Definitely when I’m swimming, biking and running! That’s when I feel most connected (to myself, life, spirit, others), confident and beautiful. Wisdom comes through me when I move my body.
I feel the most connected when I'm creatively writing and coming up with ideas. Congrats on the progress with your book! I see you're tackling the hardest part first. Question for you - any tips on how to remember your great ideas while bicycling or actively engaged in something else? I'll be at the gym and come up with something brilliant only to forget completely about it by the time I'm done.
That’s a good question about remembering! A couple of times I have stopped and written something in a note on my phone or recorded a voice memo. But then I decided I didn’t want to interrupt my rides that way so now I just trust that I’ll remember it or it will just be a spark for something better down the road. I do generally make notes shortly after I get home if it has been a big brainstorming session!
One of the ways I recently rediscovered is Yin Yoga. Each pose is held for about 5 minutes. It’s interesting to see my body slowly relax into the pose and shift as it releases. My thoughts become evident then as well which is always intriguing and quite meditative.
I also love the step classes I do (very 1980’s!) The upbeat music, being with my gym pals and the rhythm of a whole group of us moving in sync makes my heart happy.
I love this Rhonda - two very different approaches likely depending on the energy levels you have in your body. One is much more restorative and the other more active but both have such a great connection with your body and what it can do on any given day!
When I am outside in nature, whether it is biking, hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, etc. I never listen to music or podcasts when I am outdoors. I prefer to hear the sounds of the environment.
Speaking of hiking, I just got back from my trip to Colorado. I did successfully summit 2 14ers (Quandary & Mt Elbert). But I also decided that I enjoy being in the mountains much more than being at the top of them. Some of my other favorite hikes were Willow Lakes (a family of mountain goats visited us at the lake!), Black Powder Pass (spotted a mama moose and her two young ones - we kept our distance), and Herman Gulch. I also had the opportunity to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (way too crowded but beautiful).
I feel most connected with myself and life when I'm with people I love. I feel most peaceful when I'm out in nature....sitting on my back patio looking at the pond, in the front yard hammock staring at the treetops, or hiking/kayaking out in nature.
I feel most connected when I’m with nature, walking, gardening, loving my flowers, smell of fresh dirt, noticing the changing of the fall colors, feel the crisp morning air!
Music also connects with me and meets me in whatever mood I’m in- takes me to places past and present! Moves me into future life situations- easily allows me to visualize the person I am becoming ( she’s my new favorite)! 😘
Reading this description makes me feel connected! What I see about it all is a true ability to be in the present moment, noticing what IS and what is becoming, vs what isn't. And yes, music is such a powerful tool!
Definitely when I’m swimming, biking and running! That’s when I feel most connected (to myself, life, spirit, others), confident and beautiful. Wisdom comes through me when I move my body.
Me too Kelsey - me too!!!
I feel the most connected when I'm creatively writing and coming up with ideas. Congrats on the progress with your book! I see you're tackling the hardest part first. Question for you - any tips on how to remember your great ideas while bicycling or actively engaged in something else? I'll be at the gym and come up with something brilliant only to forget completely about it by the time I'm done.
That’s a good question about remembering! A couple of times I have stopped and written something in a note on my phone or recorded a voice memo. But then I decided I didn’t want to interrupt my rides that way so now I just trust that I’ll remember it or it will just be a spark for something better down the road. I do generally make notes shortly after I get home if it has been a big brainstorming session!
One of the ways I recently rediscovered is Yin Yoga. Each pose is held for about 5 minutes. It’s interesting to see my body slowly relax into the pose and shift as it releases. My thoughts become evident then as well which is always intriguing and quite meditative.
I also love the step classes I do (very 1980’s!) The upbeat music, being with my gym pals and the rhythm of a whole group of us moving in sync makes my heart happy.
I love this Rhonda - two very different approaches likely depending on the energy levels you have in your body. One is much more restorative and the other more active but both have such a great connection with your body and what it can do on any given day!
When I am outside in nature, whether it is biking, hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, etc. I never listen to music or podcasts when I am outdoors. I prefer to hear the sounds of the environment.
Speaking of hiking, I just got back from my trip to Colorado. I did successfully summit 2 14ers (Quandary & Mt Elbert). But I also decided that I enjoy being in the mountains much more than being at the top of them. Some of my other favorite hikes were Willow Lakes (a family of mountain goats visited us at the lake!), Black Powder Pass (spotted a mama moose and her two young ones - we kept our distance), and Herman Gulch. I also had the opportunity to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park (way too crowded but beautiful).
I feel most connected with myself and life when I'm with people I love. I feel most peaceful when I'm out in nature....sitting on my back patio looking at the pond, in the front yard hammock staring at the treetops, or hiking/kayaking out in nature.
I feel peaceful and connected just reading this description!
I feel most connected when I’m with nature, walking, gardening, loving my flowers, smell of fresh dirt, noticing the changing of the fall colors, feel the crisp morning air!
Music also connects with me and meets me in whatever mood I’m in- takes me to places past and present! Moves me into future life situations- easily allows me to visualize the person I am becoming ( she’s my new favorite)! 😘
Reading this description makes me feel connected! What I see about it all is a true ability to be in the present moment, noticing what IS and what is becoming, vs what isn't. And yes, music is such a powerful tool!
I always get up earlier than the rest of the house and its all quiet and peaceful thats when I feel I can just be myself in a the quiet of the house.