Humans are social creatures and yet we don’t often talk about loneliness. We want to connect with people around us and to feel comfortable with them, as well as have them feel comfortable around us. Though many of us have fears around connection, we worry about being judged and rejected, which can lead us to hold back details about ourselves. We only share small bits and pieces over time, and only when we feel comfortable will we disclose more unique personal anecdotes about who we are. This idea is a catch 22 because in actuality we can only feel connected when those hidden

personal details are disclosed. How much we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with disclosure is how we end up gaining the trust and connection with others.

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-does-self-disclosure-influence-relationships-4122387

“Awww,” “I’m so sorry to hear that,” “My condolences.” These are statements that we often hear when there’s bad news presented. As Brené Brown once stated, “Empathy fuels connection, sympathy drives disconnection.” This article breaks down Empathy in comparison to Sympathy, as well as highlighting the differences with pity and compassion. When we want to connect, we need to work more on empathizing over sympathizing.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201505/empathy-vs-sympathy

Our minds are very powerful and can sometimes drive us toward ineffectiveness; especially when in emotion mind. When emotions arise, the stronger and more intense they are, the stronger the urges are as well to survive. Emotions though can be reeled in when we increase our mindfulness. It’s easier said than done, and so psychotherapy can be of assistance. Our minds can be stuck on a one-track mind, and so with the guidance of a therapist, we can unlock our minds and see things a bit more clearly.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychoanalysis-unplugged/201904/emotions-can-cause-our-minds-lock

Emotion Regulation can be a challenge for children, so creator Leah Kuypers designed the Zones of Regulation. These identified zones are a lovely breakdown of the stages of alertness and arousals in which children can relate to. These stages can help children learn where they are at emotionally and in turn can behave accordingly to be most effective.

Self-Regulation and the Zones of Regulation

Let’s face our fears and work toward trusting ourselves and our lives. Follow along with David’s meditation practice. His gentle manner guides us to a more trusting self away from our fearful selves.

“In 2013 scientists followed more than 400 students during five weeks of mindfulness training (12-2). They found out that student behavior improved significantly (as rated by classroom teachers) in four areas measured: paying attention, self-control, classroom participation, and respect for others. The gains were maintained seven weeks after the training ended.”

How amazing is this? Read more from this article on blissfulkids.com to get you motivated in teaching our future generations how to be more mindful!

What Science Says About Mindfulness Practice with Kids Teens and Grown-Ups