We’re hardwired to connect!
Sometimes it feels like we live in a world that cultivates greed and competition, but there is still hope for us. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that we humans are born to connect, love, learn, and serve. Indeed, we humans are more than capable of fostering age-friendly communities, and of nurturing caring relationships rather than being seduced by ‘things’. We are capable of creating free and democratic societies without the polarizing effects of wealth and poverty. We are capable of living in harmony with our environment and sharing its gifts without depleting its natural resources.
Scientific research has shown that, “the act of helping another triggers the brain’s pleasure center and benefits our health by boosting our immune system, reducing our heart rate, and preparing us to approach and soothe. Positive emotions like compassion produce similar benefits. By contrast, negative emotions suppress our immune system, increase heart rate, and prepare us to fight or flee.” (David Korten YES! Magazine July 30th, 2008)
What kind of world do you want to live in?
