Are you feeling like you're all alone as you work today?
That can happen to those of us who have a remote office or who work from home.
My name is Leigh Aubert and I invite you to take a short break from your tasks so we can give some thoughtful attention to your feelings of isolation.
First,
Find a spot where you can be undisturbed for a few minutes.
Now you can either close your eyes or,
If you'd rather,
Rest your gaze in an unfocused way on whatever is in front of you.
Bring your attention to your heart space and the emotions that are there.
If it feels right,
You can rest your hand on your heart and sense its warmth on your chest.
Sometimes,
When we're working from home,
It's easy to get caught up in a feeling of isolation,
A feeling like you're all alone and there's no one you can reach out to.
But take a moment and pause and ask yourself,
Is that really true?
Am I isolated or am I isolating myself?
It's way too easy to get stuck in the belief that we'd be a burden if we reached out to someone.
Maybe we think we'd be bothering them just to ask for a quick chat,
A coffee break,
Or a few brief minutes to connect.
And yet,
Think about how you'd feel if a friend came to you with a similar request.
Most of us are more than willing to drop what we're doing,
However briefly,
To help someone that we know and care for.
We know intrinsically how good it feels to be a source of connection and encouragement for someone else.
So,
With your next breath,
Take a moment to think of who you might reach out to.
It could be someone you can see in person,
Someone you can call,
Someone to have a video chat with,
Or someone you can simply send a text message to.
Now,
Think about how much a brief connection with this person might mean to you,
And how it could remind you that you're supported by so many people in this world,
Even when you aren't right there beside them.
There are many,
Many people who have your best interests at heart,
Who wish nothing but good things for you.
They're ready to listen and support you,
Whether they're friends,
Family,
Or colleagues.
Now,
Take a few more deep,
Slow breaths.
And each time you exhale,
Imagine releasing any feelings of doubt or worry about reaching out.
Try to let go of that feeling that it's somehow wrong to need the company of others,
Or to take comfort from your connection to them.
As you breathe in,
Let your lungs fill with a sense of love and support.
And with your exhale,
Release any fear of self-doubt.
Remember,
There's a big difference between feeling alone and believing you are alone.
There is an entire community of people who are there for you,
Even if you don't think about them often.
So,
Who might you reach out to today?
It doesn't have to be a big request.
Maybe you could say something like,
I've been working on something tough and could use a quick break.
Want to have a chat?
Or,
I am fresh out of ideas.
Could we brainstorm for a few minutes?
Or maybe just want to play hooky for five minutes?
My guess is the answer you'll get will be yes.
Open your eyes now,
Or bring your gaze back into focus.
Roll your shoulders a few times,
And stretch out your hands and arms if that's available to you.
Remember who you have in your heart,
And remember that they have you in theirs,
Too.
May you be well.
