finding comfort in connection
When we’ve had a long week and the weight of the world feels too much, tuning out the noise around us (or inside our hearts and minds) and disconnecting can feel like the best way to alleviate the heaviness. We’ve all had those days - days when it feels better to cocoon ourselves in the safety of our homes, wrapped in a warm blanket, trying to immerse ourselves in an old favorite movie we’ve seen a thousand times. And while we fully recognize that this practice can provide a much-needed break, a necessary respite from the challenges of life, we’d like to offer that once we’re ready to gently return to the present moment, there are ways we can find a sense of comfort in connection.
At this time, there may be many of us that feel as though connection is as difficult to find as a rare star on a dark, cloudy night. Finding connection with others and the world can feel out of reach, especially when division seems to cast shadows over everything. But even in these moments of deep polarization, connection is not impossible. Sometimes, it's in small gestures of empathy, a willingness to listen, or a simple act of kindness, not just to others, but also to ourselves, that we can begin to see through the clouds.
Connection can take many shapes and forms. We can start by looking inward and finding connection within ourselves - exploring ways to come home to our bodies and rediscover a sense of safety within. It might be the calming sensation of oxygen flowing in with each deep breath, followed by the relief of a long exhale, or the feeling of groundedness that comes from engaging in gentle movements like stretching or taking a walk around the neighborhood.
Often, we get so caught up in our minds that we forget our bodies hold wisdom too. By tapping into what feels good, we can move forward one step at a time, both literally and figuratively. And we can ask ourselves that question: what can be our next best step forward? We can honor our own inner rhythm, letting our body guide us with its innate sense of what feels nourishing and true. By moving at our own pace, we can gently reconnect with our center, and continue on with ease and intention.
Trusting in our innate creativity can also help us reconnect with ourselves and express our thoughts and emotions. It can give us space to release what’s within and make sense of our feelings. In the past, Equinimity has hosted Expressive Arts workshops to help people cultivate clarity, peace, and healing. Even if we don’t consider ourselves as creative, we need not judge the quality of our art by any merit. Whether it’s through painting, playing music, or cooking, any way we use creativity to express ourselves can be meaningful and nourishing. This can be especially helpful for times when words aren’t enough - or when enough has been said. For those who struggle to express themselves through language, creative expressions provide an alternative means of communication.
Connection can also come from reaching out to the world around us - starting with nature. No matter the challenge we face, we can always count on the sun to rise, offering light and a promise of a new day. We can always count on the gentle breeze to soothe our souls. We can always count on the warm presence of our animal companions. For us, being with the horses that bring us daily reminders that strength and grace often coexist. They show us how to be present, how to listen deeply, and how to move through life with an open heart and quiet resilience. The interconnectedness of the natural world reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
And then of course, we have each other. We may not share the same backgrounds or beliefs, but if we take a moment, we may find one or two things that connect us, even in the unlikeliest circumstances.
One of our colleagues at Equinimity, a young Asian-American woman, Patricia Repolda, found herself in an empty grocery aisle, standing in front of the giant freezers searching for her favorite ice cream. Belongingness, safety, and acceptance have been weighing on her mind for a while, even in a place as welcoming as Tucson and even in a happy place like the dessert aisle. Suddenly, Patricia noticed a man, walking fast and purposefully toward her. This made her feel uncomfortable and she wondered if she should walk away. But before she could make up her mind, he approached her and said, “This brand is the best! This lavender-cheesecake is my favorite!” He reached into the freezer, grabbed a pint of ice cream, and for a few minutes, they exchanged stories about the flavors that were always out of stock at the store. After that interaction, Patricia found herself surprised, relieved, and grateful for the brief conversation. It served as a reminder that while it’s important to exercise caution, unexpected situations like this demonstrate that we can find connection on a basic human level.
If we take a moment to breathe, pause, and truly listen, we may begin to notice the subtle threads that link us all - our shared experiences, our hopes, our struggles, even our preferred desserts. These connections, however small, can shift our perspective and help us find common ground.
Fleeting moments of shared humanity can take us by surprise and feel as delightful and refreshing as a cone of ice cream on a hot summer’s day. It may not always happen, it may not always come so easily, but we remain hopeful that even in moments of division, there is always potential for goodness and compassion. We are grateful to see it often within our own backyard, and we hope that the kindness we experience with one another here at Equinimity ripples through our wider community.
At this time, there may be many of us that feel as though connection is as difficult to find as a rare star on a dark, cloudy night. Finding connection with others and the world can feel out of reach, especially when division seems to cast shadows over everything. But even in these moments of deep polarization, connection is not impossible. Sometimes, it's in small gestures of empathy, a willingness to listen, or a simple act of kindness, not just to others, but also to ourselves, that we can begin to see through the clouds.
Connection can take many shapes and forms. We can start by looking inward and finding connection within ourselves - exploring ways to come home to our bodies and rediscover a sense of safety within. It might be the calming sensation of oxygen flowing in with each deep breath, followed by the relief of a long exhale, or the feeling of groundedness that comes from engaging in gentle movements like stretching or taking a walk around the neighborhood.
Often, we get so caught up in our minds that we forget our bodies hold wisdom too. By tapping into what feels good, we can move forward one step at a time, both literally and figuratively. And we can ask ourselves that question: what can be our next best step forward? We can honor our own inner rhythm, letting our body guide us with its innate sense of what feels nourishing and true. By moving at our own pace, we can gently reconnect with our center, and continue on with ease and intention.
Trusting in our innate creativity can also help us reconnect with ourselves and express our thoughts and emotions. It can give us space to release what’s within and make sense of our feelings. In the past, Equinimity has hosted Expressive Arts workshops to help people cultivate clarity, peace, and healing. Even if we don’t consider ourselves as creative, we need not judge the quality of our art by any merit. Whether it’s through painting, playing music, or cooking, any way we use creativity to express ourselves can be meaningful and nourishing. This can be especially helpful for times when words aren’t enough - or when enough has been said. For those who struggle to express themselves through language, creative expressions provide an alternative means of communication.
Connection can also come from reaching out to the world around us - starting with nature. No matter the challenge we face, we can always count on the sun to rise, offering light and a promise of a new day. We can always count on the gentle breeze to soothe our souls. We can always count on the warm presence of our animal companions. For us, being with the horses that bring us daily reminders that strength and grace often coexist. They show us how to be present, how to listen deeply, and how to move through life with an open heart and quiet resilience. The interconnectedness of the natural world reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
And then of course, we have each other. We may not share the same backgrounds or beliefs, but if we take a moment, we may find one or two things that connect us, even in the unlikeliest circumstances.
One of our colleagues at Equinimity, a young Asian-American woman, Patricia Repolda, found herself in an empty grocery aisle, standing in front of the giant freezers searching for her favorite ice cream. Belongingness, safety, and acceptance have been weighing on her mind for a while, even in a place as welcoming as Tucson and even in a happy place like the dessert aisle. Suddenly, Patricia noticed a man, walking fast and purposefully toward her. This made her feel uncomfortable and she wondered if she should walk away. But before she could make up her mind, he approached her and said, “This brand is the best! This lavender-cheesecake is my favorite!” He reached into the freezer, grabbed a pint of ice cream, and for a few minutes, they exchanged stories about the flavors that were always out of stock at the store. After that interaction, Patricia found herself surprised, relieved, and grateful for the brief conversation. It served as a reminder that while it’s important to exercise caution, unexpected situations like this demonstrate that we can find connection on a basic human level.
If we take a moment to breathe, pause, and truly listen, we may begin to notice the subtle threads that link us all - our shared experiences, our hopes, our struggles, even our preferred desserts. These connections, however small, can shift our perspective and help us find common ground.
Fleeting moments of shared humanity can take us by surprise and feel as delightful and refreshing as a cone of ice cream on a hot summer’s day. It may not always happen, it may not always come so easily, but we remain hopeful that even in moments of division, there is always potential for goodness and compassion. We are grateful to see it often within our own backyard, and we hope that the kindness we experience with one another here at Equinimity ripples through our wider community.
