Who are your people? The ones you have your back, will listen for hours to your story and never share it, as it doesn't belong to them. We are neurobiologically hardwired for connection; Belonging. We are social and emotional beings in a very heavily rooted thinking world.
When you are in a relationship with someone, be it at work, on the streets of your community, or at home, your brain is constantly searching for welcome or warning. Subconsciously scanning the face of the person you are communicating with. The most welcoming facial gesture, a genuine, not forced, SMILE. There is a reason one's smile is the universal sign of kindness. It is a heart hug filled with trust, love, joy, and belonging.
We are social creatures needing one another for survival. Without a village or tribe, one's risk of disease increases. Loneliness leads to a 29% increase in heart disease, 32% increase in stroke, 50% increase in developing dementia for older adults. It also increases one's risk of depression, anxiety, blood pressure, sleep issues, and decreases one's life by 26%.
Our culture believes we can connect by way of our intellect alone through technology. Although it does aid in connection and communication, it is missing out on the primal means by which humans live; from a place of emotion. We are emotional beings first and foremost, yet we live in a world of intelligence.
Take one simple step in connection with yourself and others; smile. Feel what smiling does within yourself, and observe what it does to those you offer the universal sign of kindness. Allow your smile to become the bridge to others. See your smile as an act of self-love knowing it leads to connection, while warding off loneliness and all of its health issues.
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