Connection

CONNECTION

I honor the bonds that unite us and celebrate my connection to everyone and all things

WHAT IS CONNECTION?

A sense of being linked or associated with others, fostering feelings of belonging and mutual understanding.

Synonyms: Inclusion, Bonding.

Antonym: Loneliness

LEARN ALL ABOUT CONNECTION

WHY CONNECTION
MATTERS?

MUSIC ON THE THEME OF CONNECTION

HOW TO RECOGNIZE
CONNECTION

TIPS TO DEAL WITH
CONNECTION

CURIOUS FACTS
ABOUT CONNECTION

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH
CONNECTION

LEARN ALL ABOUT CONNECTION

WHY CONNECTION
MATTERS?

MUSIC ON THE THEME OF CONNECTION

HOW TO RECOGNIZE
CONNECTION

TIPS TO DEAL WITH
CONNECTION

CURIOUS FACTS
ABOUT CONNECTION

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH
CONNECTION

“Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
Brené Brown

HOW TO RECOGNIZE CONNECTION IN OTHERS
AND ONESELF

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN OTHERS

Body Language

Close physical proximity, mirroring body
language, relaxed posture

Facial Expressions

Brightened eyes, genuine smile,
engaged gaze

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN ONESELF

In the Body

Warm sensation in the chest,
feeling of ease

In the Mind

Thoughts of belonging, shared
understanding, or closeness

HOW TO RECOGNIZE CONNECTION IN OTHERS
AND ONESELF

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN OTHERS

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN ONESELF

Body Language

Close physical proximity, mirroring body
language, relaxed posture

In the Body

Warm sensation in the chest,
feeling of ease

Facial Expressions

Brightened eyes, genuine smile,
engaged gaze

In the Mind

Thoughts of belonging, shared
understanding, or closeness

What makes me feel deeply connected
to another person?

TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS
EMOTION

Practice poses like Double Downward Dog with a partner to build trust and deepen physical connection.
Sit with a partner and gaze into each other's eyes for 2-3 minutes to foster emotional intimacy.
Focus on the green light at your heart chakra, imagining it connecting with the energy of others around you.
Join a drumming circle to experience rhythmic connection and unity with a group.
Share personal stories in a circle to deepen understanding and connection within the group.
Visualize yourself as part of a forest, interconnected with the other trees, symbolizing a network of mutual support.

CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT CONNECTION

How do ants greet each other when they cross paths and why?

How do ants stay connected in a colony with millions of members?

Can feeling connected actually change your brain chemistry?

Why is feeling connected good for you?

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH CONNECTION

Different animals are associated with different emotions in different cultures. Flip the coins to found out more:

In what ways do I nurture connection with myself,
and how does that impact my ability to
connect with others?

RETURN TO THE EMOTION EXPLORER GUIDE TO DISCOVER
A WHOLE WORLD OF EMOTIONS

Connection is vital for emotional well-being, belonging, and mental health. Strong social ties provide support, reduce stress, and enhance happiness. Emotional intelligence involves recognizing the importance of connection and actively nurturing meaningful relationships through empathy, communication, and trust.

Admiration inspires learning, motivation, and personal growth. It fosters positive relationships, encourages emulation of desirable traits, and reinforces social bonds. Recognizing and expressing admiration strengthens connections and enhances well-being by shifting focus to strengths in oneself and others.

Ants use their antennae to “talk” by touching and smelling each other, instantly exchanging information and reinforcing connection.

Ants use pheromones—chemical messages—to create invisible highways, give alerts, and keep everyone working as one.

Social connection increases oxytocin and dopamine, which boost mood, trust, and feelings of belonging.

Research shows that strong social bonds can improve heart health, strengthen immunity, and even extend your life.

Ant

African and Native American mythology

In African folklore, ants symbolize teamwork and collaboration, admired for their ability to work collectively toward a common goal. Native American traditions also regard ants as models of cooperation and community spirit.

Bee

European and Mayan mythology

The bee, essential to hive life, represents deep social connection in European and Mayan myths, emphasizing unity, communication, and shared purpose.

Dolphin

Greek and Hawaiian mythology

Dolphins, known for their strong bonds and cooperative behavior, symbolize connection in Greek and Hawaiian traditions, often guiding humans and strengthening social ties.

Spider

Indigenous and Asian mythology

The spider, as a weaver of intricate webs, represents connection in Indigenous and Asian cultures, linking individuals to their past, present, and future through its delicate yet strong threads.