The energy of connection: How to cultivate axé in everyday life

There’s a word people use in Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil — axé (A as in apple, xé as in shed). It comes from Afro-Brazilian traditions and represents positive energy — a force of movement, a deep, embodied vitality.

The word traces its roots to the Yoruba language, where “axé” signifies the power or energy to make things happen, often tied to the spiritual and natural world. As a white Brazilian, I recognise and honour its origins, while appreciating how it has become a shared and cherished part of Brazil's diverse cultural landscape. Axé isn’t forced optimism; it’s something you feel. It flows between people, places, and moments of deep presence. And in the dark, grey winters of the UK, I find myself missing it.

I immigrated to the UK many years ago — it’s where my life is now — but my soul’s home will always be Brazil. Every time I return there, immersed in the culture, nature, and people, I feel axé. The warmth, the openness, the shared sense of life. It lingers in greetings, in music spilling onto the streets, in the way communities come together even in hardship. It gives me a deep, unshakable optimism, one that persists despite the enormous challenges the country and its people face. And every time I return to the UK, I feel re-energised, lighter, more grounded. 

I find myself trying to cultivate axé in my daily life, especially when everything feels bleak and heavy. The weight of the world — political instability, war, social inequality, the climate crisis, the relentless pace of modern life — can feel overwhelming. We’re bombarded with bad news, pressured by consumerism, and increasingly disconnected from one another. In a world where we’re weighed down by so much, how do we create more meaning and presence? How can we channel axé?

Reconnect with nature

One of the simplest ways to regain a sense of optimism and resilience is by stepping away from modern life’s constant noise. Nature, in its quiet wisdom, brings us back to ourselves.

In Brazil, nature is impossible to ignore — abundant, loud, unapologetically alive. The sound of birds in the morning, the scent of tropical flowers after rain, the sheer green of it all. Nature feels like a presence, a force that reminds us that life is moving, shifting, renewing itself.

In the UK, it can feel more subtle. The cold can be like a barrier, the grey skies a weight. But nature is still there, waiting for us to notice. The crisp air in winter, the slow emergence of spring, the way light changes in autumn. These essential things remind us that life is happening now. 

Axé is about being present, feeling grateful for what we have, and embracing the beauty in simple things. When we take time to appreciate the good, no matter how small, and consciously tune into the present moment, we access a fundamental energy. We align ourselves with the flow of life, rather than fighting against it. These small practices of gratitude and presence can bring us closer to axé, even in the darkest months.

Cultivate connection

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Countless studies confirm what we already know intuitively — humans are wired for connection. We need each other, not just for survival, but to thrive.

Brazilian culture is inherently social. Community isn’t just a concept; it’s a way of life. People show up — for family, for friends, for neighbours. There’s a generosity of spirit, a belief that life is meant to be shared. When I’m there, I feel it effortlessly. Conversations flow, warmth is tangible. Connection is built into daily life.

When we live a busy life, connection takes more effort. Schedules are tight, and the cold months of the UK (literal and emotional) can make it harder to reach out. But the need for connection remains. While Brazil’s climate and culture foster openness and connection, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen elsewhere. It just takes more intention. If we want connection, we need to cultivate it — by being more open, by reaching out, by making the effort to engage.

One of the simplest yet most profound things we can do — for our children, our friends, our family — is to show up with real engagement. This doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s often as simple as giving someone our full, undivided attention for a few minutes. No phones, no distractions — just genuine presence. These moments of connection build trust, security, and a sense of being valued. 

When we really listen, when we’re curious about each other, something shifts. It’s a vibe. It’s the energy that comes from being truly present with someone. It’s axé.

Embrace playfulness and movement

Axé isn’t just about connection — it’s also about movement, rhythm, and joy. Playfulness is often dismissed as something for children, but in Brazil, it’s seen as a key part of life, a way to keep energy flowing and spirits high.

Movement is everywhere — through music and dance, sports, even animated conversations. Laughter, rhythm, and physical expression help release energy and keep people connected to life’s natural flow.

In fast-paced societies, playfulness often takes a back seat to productivity. But humour and movement don’t have to take extra time — try stretching while waiting for your coffee, dancing for a minute before leaving the house, or sharing a funny moment with a colleague. 

Even in difficult times, reconnecting with a sense of levity reminds us that we’re still here, still moving, still capable of joy. Axé flows where we allow it.

Protect your energy

We live in a world that fuels fear and anxiety. Social media, fake news, AI, the chaotic state of global affairs, war, climate disasters, prejudice, racism — the list is endless. These forces shape us. They weigh on us. Our brains evolved to focus on the negative for survival, but this constant stress triggers cortisol, leading to overwhelm and exhaustion.

So, what do we do? Do we lose hope when we realise we can’t change the world as we wish? With so little time on earth, how do we begin?

For me, hope and optimism aren’t abstract concepts. They’re deeply ingrained in my life — perhaps from my family, my cultural roots, or from witnessing firsthand through my work the transformations that happen when people feel truly connected.

Axé teaches us that this energy is real, that where we focus our attention matters. This doesn’t mean ignoring the world's problems, but it does mean being mindful of what we consume, how we engage, and where we place our energy. Choosing how we focus our attention is an act of self-preservation.

At the same time, small acts matter. Whether within our immediate circles or the wider community, every gesture of kindness, every moment of connection, every effort to support one another contributes to something larger. Knowing that what we do has meaning gives us a sense of purpose, making us feel alive and engaged. Yet, we must also recognise when to step away — to rest, to recharge, to protect our energy so we can continue to show up in ways that truly make a difference.

Live with purpose and presence

If we are to cultivate more optimism, more resilience, perhaps the answer isn’t about finding something new, but about returning to what’s already within us. Maybe it’s about being — with nature, with people, with ourselves. Maybe it’s about stepping away from distractions, and truly engaging with the world around us.

And maybe, in doing so, we find a little more hope. A little more light. A little more axé.

Because in the end, axé isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we create. In the way we show up, in the presence we offer, in the love and energy we bring into the world. And that, no matter where we are, is always within our reach.