Human Connections

All week long I’ve been building relationships, making new acquaintances, or catching up with people I hadn’t seen for a long time.

It felt like a lot.

Between 1-1 meetings, coaching sessions, presentations, associate team gatherings, new business relationships, family and friends, I reckon I have interacted with around 350+ different people this week, either face to face or online.

In my personal studies, I researched a lot about Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012.

Research shows that despite being the most digitally connected generation, Gen Z is also one of the loneliest.

Their online interactions often lack the depth and emotional nuance of face-to-face communication.

The isolation brought on by COVID-19 exacerbated this, leaving many feeling disconnected.

In my studies, I discovered a new term 𝒅𝒊𝒔-𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆

𝐝𝐢𝐬 – meaning “lack” or “absence” and 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 – meaning “comfort” or “well-being”.

Thus, 𝐝𝐢𝐬-𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 refers to a state of unease, discomfort, or tension.

It isn’t necessarily a physical illness, but rather a psychological, emotional, or even spiritual imbalance.

In my view, we are actually living in a time of massive dis-ease and disconnection.

Technology seems to connect us more than ever, but the reality is that the screens around us disconnect us from the marvels of nature, from our true selves, and from family and friends.

So, how do we overcome this dis-ease or malaise?

This week I had a discussion with a new friend about building connections.

In order to thrive, we all need human connections and face to face interactions.

Those “horizontal” connections are the foundation for our emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.

But there is also a “vertical” connection that is equally important, with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, that nourishes our spiritual wellbeing.

Jesus said, “Learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Connection with deity is vital to our sense of meaning in this life.

When we build a relationship with God, we better understand the plan He has for us.

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” —John 17:3

How have you felt “rest unto your soul” recently?