The value of connection: growing ancient roots for modern times

It is moments of true connection in life that are really memorable and touch us deeply. From random meetings where we recognize a kindred spirit or times spent in nature to rewarding relationships, our life presents many opportunities to connect with a richer sense of being.

When we are preoccupied with past events or anticipating what’s ahead, we can so easily miss moments like these, caught up in the busyness of our lives. Being on autopilot we unintentionally close ourselves down to many possibilities for connection and increase our vulnerability to being out of balance through stress, anxiety, anger and low mood.

What can we do?

Learning to recognise we are on autopilot is the first step towards cultivating a greater sense of connection. This awareness through self-inquiry is part of many different religions and ancient philosophies and in modern times has come to the attention of medical science and psychotherapy as a route to mental health and wellbeing.

Today the effectiveness of ancient meditation practice has been scientifically measured and proven. This research has given much wider acceptance to the importance of mind body awareness in creating connection and the practices like mindfulness that cultivate this.

Another accessible and popular approach is yoga. It invites us to re-discover and harness our own energy in a sustainable way and direct it towards greater connection with our body and mind. This moves us beyond simple physical accomplishment to a different relationship with ourselves, others and the environment.

Expanding individual consciousness in these ways is a powerful process of personal development. It develops a richer sense of being; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually that informs our relationship to all forms of life and the earth as a whole. These ancient roots have great value today showing us what work we need to do within ourselves to grow richer connections and a more sustainable future.


Sarah Haden and Hugh Poulton
Sukhita Yoga