When spring arrives, we start thinking about new growth. We anticipate the first bulbs that push up from the cold earth. We wake up in the morning listening to the birds singing and know it won’t be long until nests are filled with eggs. Many trees will soon flower and all will be filled with green leaves.
Nature innately knows that, in order for new growth to occur, it has to have a connection to the earth, the sun and the rain.
Here’s a great, yet simple, example of connection: If you’ve ever noticed ivy growing on the side of a building, you’ve noticed that it holds on tight. The ivy has made a strong connection to the surface so that it can continue to grow and spread. But once you’ve succeeded in separating the ivy from the wall and pulling it up from the ground, it immediately starts to wilt and die.
Isn’t that what happens to us, in a sense, when we are not connected? How much can we grow if we don’t connect? Whether you want to grow physically, mentally, emotionally or connect with your spirit, you have to connect to something or someone to start the growth process.
Connecting physically
You’ve probably heard this saying time and time again, “treat your body like a temple.” What a great idea! Your body needs the proper nourishment to grow and maintain itself. Try the following for a better connection:
• Consuming healthy whole foods can help you avoid the damage that unhealthy eating can cause. Your body connects with the right food to keep you free from disease.
• Staying mindful of a nutritious diet will keep you connected to your body — you’ll be more aware of your body’s need for nutrients and what keeps it healthy.
• Drink the right amount of water to stay hydrated. Experts recommend 64 ounces of water daily.
• Exercise. When you move your body, you are making a connection to your body’s ability to shape and tone itself. We weren’t meant to be sedentary all the time. Movement can mean increased energy. Increased energy leads to a better connection, which leads to physical growth. |