February 22, 2015
(This is part of a 365 project during my 70th year where I write and
illustrate a blog on each day's gift.)
I
looked on my icy driveway this morning. A neighbor’s tire tracks, in my mind,
looked like symbols of people holding hands and connecting—sort of like the
traditional cutout paper dolls. Then Nancy, a friend from California, called today
and I am reminded of how lucky I am to be connected to people on many different
levels from near and far.
There
are family, close friends and acquaintances. Regardless of the depth of the
connection, others contribute to my mental health. It is self-affirming to know
that I have the ability to love and be loved and that others care for me. Other
people enrich my life, offer a diversity of ideas and help me grow in new
directions. UCLA
professor Matthew Lieberman, founder of social cognitive neuroscience, says
that social connection is as important as food and shelter. He observes that humans,
above reptiles, primates and other mammals, are most socially connected and
that it is essential to our survival.
Perhaps
Albert Einstein said it best, “A human being is a part of the
whole, called by us "Universe", a part limited in time and space. He experiences
himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest--a kind
of optical delusion of his consciousness.” We are connected.
My gift today, and every day, is
connections.
You can read my other posts on this project here:
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