A Better Sense of Belonging
One of the aspects of modern life that prevails in many countries today is the notion that we should be more aware of our needs as individuals. This idea has been summed up in the expression, “What’s in it for me?” and this attitude encourages people to focus on whatever serves their best interests. As part of the movement towards personal empowerment, it makes sense to consider our priorities and avoid situations where we might compromise our health, happiness and wellbeing. Yet, there are still many cultures that find this approach strangely at odds with the concept of wellbeing. Let’s take a closer look.
Whilst we place a high value on our individuality and seek to distinguish ourselves from the rest of the herd, many societies see the individual as the product of a whole community of influences. This ancient way of interpreting personal development can be found in all corners of the world and reminds us that the individual simply cannot grow and thrive in isolation. We are socially-dependent creatures and we need the presence of others in order to flourish. This is particularly valid in times of difficulty where we rely on the help, support and understanding of people who know us well and make us feel welcome in their midst. If we focus too much on ourselves, we risk becoming isolated from the people whose presence is such an important facet of our wellbeing.
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We know that loneliness is a deeply unpleasant condition that has been identified as one of the leading causes of depression. People feel isolated, ignored, forgotten and overlooked, powerless in a fast-moving world that doesn’t seem to notice them anymore. The answer is in reviving the spirit of community that helped us to survive all manner of natural disasters and flourish as a species. Stronger personal connections reinforce our sense of belonging.? Mutually-supportive relationships enable us to share life’s problems and strengthen our belief in our combined ability to overcome any difficulties. Perhaps we should consider exchanging “What’s in it for me?” for something different. Perhaps we could make the world a better place for ourselves as well as for others by asking “What’s in it for us?”