In today’s fast paced world many of us charge through life with our ‘to do’ lists, endless tasks to be done, problems to solve, constantly attached to our phones, so as not to miss that ‘vital’ message. The result is a loss in our connection with who we are. We walk the dog, talking on our phone or catching up with messages and emails. The dog knows this and feels the loss of connection.

During my time living with indigenous peoples in the Americas and Africa they taught me the importance of our connection with one another and all living things. They did this by being themselves,  respecting their environment, and the creatures and plants they shared their space with.

Many of the troubles we are experiencing in the world today seem to be due to a lack of respect. This lack of respect leads to dissatisfaction, squabbles, fights and on a wider scale, wars. Wars over territory, differing beliefs and often a righteous sense of ‘I am right’ and ‘you are wrong’. However, if we step back and look at the heart of all religions, certainly the ones I am aware of, they are all based on helping one another, being kind and respecting each other. Years ago, on a leadership course I was shown a picture of a mountain with people taking different routes to get to the top. I see religion as just that- different routes up the same mountain.

Sadly, many people have  lost their sense of self, and self respect. They  are generally unhappy and constantly point a finger at others; always looking for the cause outside of themselves. What they are unaware of is that when we point a finger the other three fingers are pointing back at themselves. Yet some people have found a way stay connected to themselves and the wider world. They take time to (re) reconnect by  volunteering, spending time outdoors or being of service in some other way and as a result  are far more content with their lives. They know that to give is ultimately to receive.

The fascinating thing for me is that throughout the many leadership and self care courses I have run, the feedback I have received is that it is the simple things that make the biggest difference. The theoretical and practical models are useful but the most helpful are the little things that help people reconnect with themselves that make the biggest difference. Examples are

• Morning Pages, taking a few minutes each morning to download our thoughts and leave them there
• Taking mini breaks during the day to go outside, walk around the block or sit in the garden letting all our thoughts drop away and connecting with nature around them
• Taking a few deep breaths, let go of frustrations and grounding themselves

What would happen if we all made a commitment to do one or more of these each day? I know for me and the people who have been on my courses, these simple acts are the difference that make the difference!

Every day, I practice letting go and finding peace within myself. Some days it is a lot easier than others!