The feeling of isolation is a common experience in a challenging environment or crisis.
Maybe we are feeling disconnected from our family and friends,
Either because we are working long hours or are posted away from home.
And when we do get to talk with them,
It's hard to express what we are going through in a way that they can relate to and understand.
Or it could be that even though we are working together on a team,
We feel isolated from our colleagues and disconnected.
And sometimes,
When we do feel connected with people and empathise with their experience,
We can feel overburdened and worn out,
Which over time can lead to burnout.
The practice of compassion offers a possibility for how we can feel connection with others while not taking on their distress.
Compassion training has been effective in countering empathic burnout.
The practice of compassion has been shown to activate areas in the brain to do with prosociality,
Positive affect and affiliation,
Even while witnessing those in distress.
In this meditation on compassion,
You'll be invited to think of different people,
Imagine them in your mind,
And then offer them well wishes.
And we are often our own harshest critics,
Which can increase the stress of any situation.
Self-compassion is turning the well wishes towards ourselves,
Which can offer particular support in times of challenge and crisis.
Another facet of connection,
Particularly within an organisation or team,
Is the mission or guiding intention for the work.
Reconnecting ourselves with our heartfelt mission and how we are expressing it in our work is another way to develop and deepen connection with the people we work with.
Let's explore the practice of cultivating connection.
