Welcome to the sixth installment in a series of blog posts on The Eden Alternative Domains of Well-Being(TM). Read more about these domains by clicking HERE!
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From the time we are born, we need to feel connected to other people.
Babies who don’t have a sense of connection to their caregivers can suffer from neurological changes that impede their growth, development, and health over the course of their lifetime, and they may even die from “failure to thrive.”
In this brief video, Dr. Edward Tronick shows how distressing “disconnection” is:
The truth is, we survive as individuals, families, communities, and as a species because of the myriad ways we support, connect, and cooperate with one another.
The mythical ideal of “independence” that prevails in the west leads us to shun or shame those who appear to be “dependent.” Ageism and able-ism keep us from seeing the reality of “interdependence” that underlies human existence.
We also tend to crave connection with places, things, and ideas. We cherish “home,” and we treasure objects that represent our various connections. We hold close our philosophies, religions, and world views that we feel connect us with others, with nature, and with the universe.
Who or what satisfies your own need for connection? Does the care you give to others interfere with, or enhance, your sense of connection? What about the Elder in your life… is there a sense of genuine connection to people, places, and things at this time in their life?
Please share your thoughts, and connect with our community!
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Lisa Kendall supports well-being in her work with Elders and their family members, as well as with professional care partners. She is an Educator and Mentor for The Eden Alternative, and has a private counseling and consulting practice in Ithaca, NY.
You can reach Lisa at (607) 351-1313, or via email at crossroadscounseling@hotmail.com
