Richard Lee-Thai, Founder of Excuses to Connect and TEDx Speaker, has made it his mission to combat loneliness and foster meaningful connections. His work emphasizes the importance of social skills and self-awareness in creating a more connected world.
During the workshop, Richard guided participants through a “Meditation for Self-Connection,” an exercise designed to help individuals connect more deeply with themselves—a crucial step in forming authentic connections with others.
The Meditation for Self-Connection Activity
We often turn to meditation seeking answers of the world around us and of ourselves. With Richard, we were guided in a meditation activity that is a simple yet powerful way to tune into your inner self, fostering clarity and emotional balance. It’s particularly useful in stressful environments, whether at work or in daily life, helping you to ground yourself and approach situations with a calm and centered mindset.
Step-by-Step Guide to Practicing at Home or Work
- Prepare Your Environment: Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably, either on a chair or on the floor, with your back straight and your hands resting on your lap. If possible, use headphones to create a more immersive experience.
- Introduction to Meditation: Begin by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. You may remind yourself of the purpose of the meditation: to connect with your inner self and gain clarity on your emotions and thoughts. Consider the following for your reminder: “This meditation is a moment for me to check in with myself, to notice my thoughts without judgment, and to connect with what’s truly important to me.”
- Guided Meditation:
- Focus on your breathing, noticing the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. As thoughts arise, acknowledge them without getting attached, and gently bring your focus back to your breath.
- Visualize someone who has been kind to you recently. Let yourself feel the warmth of their kindness and notice how this makes you feel.
- Ask yourself, “What emotions am I feeling right now? Where do I feel tension in my body? What thoughts keep coming back to me?”
- Consider the question, “Is there something you’ve always wanted to hear from someone else?” Reflect on what feelings come up for you and how it feels to offer those words to yourself. This practice helps close the circle of self-connection, allowing you to heal and nurture parts of yourself that may have been overlooked.
- Reflection: After the meditation, take a few moments to reflect on what came up for you. You might want to journal your thoughts or discuss them with a trusted colleague or friend.
Richard’s dedication to fostering connection is evident in the tools he provides to individuals and organizations. By teaching self-connection through meditation, he equips people with the skills to better understand themselves, which in turn enhances their ability to connect meaningfully with others. His work is a vital contribution to creating a world where loneliness is diminished, and true connection is celebrated.
Written on 04 Sep 2024.
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