How to stay connected to yourself

In my meditation this morning, I was struck by this question : What can I do to stay connected with myself amidst the overwhelming amount of external (and internal ; mind, thoughts, anxieties, etc) distractions? Meditation is definitely one great tool to reconnect, to ''regroup'' with yourself, to recharge, but how can I stay connected throughout the day ? Are there other ways other than going 100% inwards, to keep a certain flow of connection with myself and not get totally engulfed by the everyday world?

I don't have the answer to it right away, but I know asking myself the question is the first step. Having the desire for it, is already better than getting swept offtrack without even knowing it, without being aware I am losing touch with my inner self. It's so, so easy to get side tracked..slowly but surely, and next thing you know you are completely lost, with no idea how or when you even got to that point. It happens to me often, very often, and can last for weeks if not months. But when I finally wake up and decide I want to make changes, it comes through a whole different approach and perspective that I didn't have before getting ''offtrack''. I know I'm never really lost, I just lose track, but each time it teaches me new ways of coming back, of reconnecting. I have a different outlook on things, I have the energy and motivation to try new techniques. And it feels good simply to have that focus back on my path, and have the desire to move forward. Even if I feel like I'm not getting anywhere, I know I am still advancing and if I keep my focus on it, things will start to change before I know it!

One of the easiest ways for me to get sidetracked and just go on autopilot is a relationship. I put a lot of energy into creating the foundation of a solid couple, all the while indulging in all the new emotions, the connection, it feels so damn good that it takes most of my focus. Some time later I realize that yes giving a lot of time and energy in the relationship is good, especially if it's a healthy one with a strong bond, but it's not healthy to let myself lose touch with my world along the way. It doesn't have to be one or the other, both can and should exist simultaneously. Although I can't deny there is something thrilling about getting lost in the feelings and intensity of a new relationship, getting ''swept off my feet'' so to speak, letting myself love and be loved intensively. It's a healing experience in and of itself! But of course at some point balance is needed, which is where I'm at right now. And it doesn't have to be any drastic change like cutting my partner off, creating barriers or distances, or even letting him go. I have had that type of relationship before where it would always be drastic measures of cutting off, and that was so painful! I know there is a more balanced way.

So for me, staying connected throughout the day while living and still spending a lot of time with my partner would look something like taking at the very least 1 hour of ''me time'' per day. Meditating. Writing. Reading. Those all reconnect me to me without going in my head and thoughts. Simple enjoying spending time with myself. It can be jogging with epic music, watching inspiring videos, working on my blog, having a soulful conversation with a friend, taking care of my body like cleansing or juicing. Those are also things that make me feel alive, that give me a sense of purpose and movement. Without that, I can still merely go along with life without feeling bad necessarily, but without fully owning my life either. And that is my cue. Anytime I feel lethargic or drained, I know I need to plug myself to one of the things that make me come alive! To also try as best I can to stay connected with myself throughout the day to day activities.

#breakingbarriers #expansion #growth #learning #love #openingup #spirituality