Nature as Teacher

Human beings long for a sense of connectedness. Neuroscientists tell us that humans have evolved to become social creatures who need healthy attachments to other humans. Our society teaches us to value personal independence, but no technological advancement has been able to fill the void of loneliness. Yes, it is important to be able to take care of yourself and your needs. However, it is also important to build community, and recognize that we thrive when we are interdependent. If we study nature, we find that many plants and animals live in guilds/groups/communities. There are many benefits to living this way, such as staying safe, dividing labor, and sharing resources. But, especially for humans, there are other benefits too, such as feeling supported, receiving guidance, reducing stress and even living longer.