Connection

What is connection? A connection could be from a smile, a simple greeting of “hi”, a hug or even a laugh. My favourite connection is when I find someone to laugh with and share a similar sense of humour with. I think that each person may have their own type of connection. I am just describing connection from my personal experiences.

Sometimes words don’t even have to be spoken and in deep silence there is a connection. This kind of connection can be very special. This connection can be when we connect with our inner self. Sometimes I feel these connections are sent by the universe to help guide us on our journey of life. These connections can sometimes give a warm feeling inside or could even be the glisten of eye contact whether that is a friend or a new acquaintance. This can give a deep sense of connection with a sincere feeling inside. Its these small gestures that add up to make stronger connections.

A conversation where you are on the same wavelength as someone is also a connection and the conversation just flows. It does not necessarily have to be physical. I feel that this can be beyond the realm of the here and now. I guess this could be different for each individual. Connection can be described in many ways, from the physical to soul connections. One can have more than one soul mate too and that does not necessarily have to be a lover. Connection is about having an understanding of each other, a kind of rhythm where its similar or the two different rhythms just sync.

Sometimes they can be out of sync; these connections maybe more of a challenge. Connections which are broken or which teach us life lessons are just as important or even more important. Our experience allows us to grow further and develop as a person. Sometimes it is hard to connect with someone but all we can do is try to understand from their point of view and not have any expectations. Sometimes this may lead the way to allowing us to connect and all it takes is a small spark.

What is the importance of connection in suicide prevention? To know that one is loved or even to know that there’s an ear to listen can sometimes help give people a reason to live. There are more people that I know that have had suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide. It is a lot more common. There is a problem with the way mental health is addressed and its often at the point of crisis most often on having suicidal thoughts that mental health issues are taken seriously. But what about the feeling of sadness or feeling low in itself? Can it not start from something so small that becomes the seed? This could cause a ripple effect when it spreads. The following link is a 20-minute training programme which I have completed. Please do the training, it may help you save a life:

https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/

I recently took part in a 21-day meditation which was phenomenal. It helped me through several new challenges. I just thought to quote something from the meditation I heard, “I move through my days’ light hearted and care free knowing all is well”. Repeating this as an affirmation from Deepak Chopra a few times helped me when I was feeling low. Sometimes there are no reasons for feeling a certain way. It is like a dark grey cloud that comes over you. It is ok to not feel ok. We don’t have to put pressure of feeling ok 24/7. I guess that is life and it is full of ups and downs. We learn, we carry on and we keep learning.

Statistics show that young adults bereaved by suicide have a higher probability of attempting suicide (Pitman et al, 2010); furthermore, the study found out that those affected did not have to be blood relatives. One in 4 people have a mental health problem too which is a high statistic. I am planning a “Crafternoon” in November. Those of you who are interested please come one day and please let me know how many of you intend to come. I am going to try and raise money for MIND. The money we normally spend on cards, crackers or Christmas decorations could be donated to Mind instead.Join me if interested for this mindful event that could help us and someone else.

Pitman, A., Osborn, D., Rantell, K. and King, M. (2019). Bereavement by suicide as a risk factor for suicide attempt: a cross-sectional national UK-wide study of 3432 young bereaved adults.