Connection
The importance of connection and the mental rewards of coming together I, Abi, husbands and kids all travelled to London this weekend for HRH Queen Elizabeth II funeral. I wouldn’t say either of us are huge monarchists but on the day, she passed away we both said we need to go to London.
The weekend was full of emotion, tears, and joy from laying flowers in St James Park to the actual funeral where we all got up and out of the hotel by 4.30am! We were so lucky bagging ourselves a spot at Horse guards’ parade right at the front against the barrier, we had an incredible view.
We all stood/sat for 7 hours waiting for proceedings to commence, we had only flags to sit on, no food or drink, none of the kids complained and we waited patiently chatting with our new neighbours, playing a music trivia game with them, and sharing our thoughts and feelings about all sorts of things.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect and, in all honesty, I was blown away by the whole ceremony, our Queens service to this country and whilst reflecting on the weekend I was thinking about what “it” was that I had felt over the weekend. I concluded that the overriding thing for me was connection something we both talk about a lot in our work.
Over the two days there were so many examples one of the most obvious for me was the connection to the Queen, and the way she had touched so many peoples lives and how people felt connected to her, regardless of their religion, age, ethnicity, geography, background, this was astounding in the outpouring of love for her.
I was surprised by the connection I had felt for London and how this would make me fell all the history and protocol, seeing all of our fabulous services/military, the huge thanks and respect I had for them and how service is something so deeply ingrained. It made me feel connected to this country and I had an overwhelming feeling of pride.
The connection I had with all of the people in what essentially was a sad mournful time, from the taxi driver to the new friends we made while we were waiting, sharing this incredibly unique experience and coming away with their mobile numbers, to the sitting and chatting and laughing on our very delayed train back from Paddington, all of that social connection some of it seemingly small and maybe potentially insignificant.
The feelings it has generated have taken me back a little, we both know how important connection is, we do lots of work on this I know the science behind it and how it can actually reduce anxiety levels and in some cases prolong life.
Psychology Today in an article spoke about how social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, physical, wellbeing, this reaffirms why I am feeling the way I am today grateful.
