Compassion and Connection: Conduits to Healing

By Ruth Patiño Henderson, LCSW

To heal carries a different meaning for each individual person. Especially today, given the state of our world, as well as the individual challenges we all may face, it is assumed that we will earnestly seek to feel this feeling at some given point. No doubt with today also being

World Mental Health Day, the importance of finding healing brings an additional significance. Therefore, we will discuss how increased compassion and connection can serve as conduits to increased healing, particularly for our communities and relationships, as well as within ourselves.

What is significant about compassion? Beyond feeling sympathy and empathy, it can bring an additional element of empowerment. With sympathy, we may feel bad for someone or feel sorry for ourselves. With empathy, we may take on the heaviness of another’s experience, which can weigh us down if not appropriately handled. But with compassion, we can infuse a sense of deeper understanding, but also add in a sense of support, acknowledgment and care for someone else. This can also be replicated to include self-compassion for ourselves in the process of healing. We can be more kind and accepting of self in knowing our limitations and needs and increasing self-understanding. And as we are more able to do this for ourselves, we will be able to do this and be more present for others. This is a critical step, and the questions then become:

How can we work to see the good (again)?

...to retain hope for a better day?

...to feel supported, and be supportive?

...to find common ground?

...to seek to understand?

...to demonstrate sincere care and concern for one another?

We have to demonstrate and allow for this to take place within ourselves before we can truly show up authentically and show this outwardly within our relationships; which then brings us to the importance of connection.

How does connection contribute to healing? First, let's reference the concept of co-regulation as it can be defined as reciprocal, supportive interactions that help regulate emotional and physiological states by synchronizing with another person's nervous system. To illustrate, if someone feels uneasy, nervous, or overwhelmed, they can begin to spiral with negative thoughts and either over-respond or shutdown. When we go to a place of experiencing genuine connection, it becomes a form of healing. We are able to force ourselves into a more present, mindful state. We are able to feel the energy of another person that may be validating, encouraging, and acknowledging of us. That then allows a sense of calm and de-escalation, or less disassociation, and more connection and grounding.

One amazing example is within the realm of mental health therapy where a true alliance can be built between a clinician and a client. And if done effectively, that relationship can create healing. This also shows up in our personal relationships, families and in our communities. When we feel seen... when we feel acknowledged...when we feel heard, we can begin to heal.

Overall, a significant aspect of compassion and connection is understanding how these processes can contribute to our individual, as well as our collective healing. I encourage us to try to integrate more of these types of skills within our lives, so that we can be conduits of hope, encouragement and again of healing that is so needed today. Let’s make mental health part of our day-to-day conversation. Let’s not stigmatize. Let’s not minimize, but let’s normalize the value and importance of acknowledging, of seeking, and of creating more connection and compassion in our lives.

At whatever point you are, we are here to support you on your pathing to healing. We have a diverse team of therapists fully equipped to provide compassionate and personalized care to individuals, couples, and families at Resilient Life Counseling & Wellness. We offer flexible, confidential sessions. We're here to help you heal and thrive.