Happiness is a state of mind, often based on those small joys of life that wield immense power to our sense of bliss.
Recently, I engaged in an exercise with course participants, probing into what fueled their energy reserves versus what drained them. Surprisingly, the resounding echoes leaned towards moments spent with loved ones, the companionship of pets, or the peace of mind found in nature as profound sources of rejuvenation.
Notably absent from their reflections was any mention of shopping or the accumulation of material possessions. Yet, society incessantly indoctrinates us that such acquisitions are the keys to happiness. The allure of novelty quickly dims, leaving behind a feeling of regret and shame from overspending.
Humans are tribal by nature
We humans are tribal by nature. Positive interaction with our fellow human beings where we feel seen, supported, and heard is key to perceiving a sense of safety and well-being. A supportive community has for eons been part of the survival mechanism of the human species.
In his research on the Five Blue Zones, Dan Buettner explored the lifestyles and diets in regions of the world where people lived the longest and were healthiest.
It is a fact that aging and death are part of life but living a healthy lifestyle can add decades to your life and happiness. Some key pillars of the research of the Five Blue Zones:
- Physical Activity. People who live long lives do regular moderate exercise such as walking
- All the Five Blue Zones came from strong communities with a healthy mixture of young and old people
- They had a sense of purpose and joy
- Their intake of calories and alcohol was minimal and most had Mediterranean or whole food plant-based diet.
Genetics play a relatively insignificant part of between 20-25 per cent when it comes to longevity.
With stress related physical and mental disorders becoming a growing threat to the very fabric of society, a supportive network of family, friends, or broader social circles, helps fortify your ability to weather life’s storms.
Belonging to a community fosters a sense of connection and belonging, which is fundamental to human well-being.
Healthy communities can serve as platforms for shared knowledge, emotional support and coping strategies. By exchanging insights and learning from one another’s experiences, individuals within a community can develop adaptive skills for managing stress more effectively.
The bonds of community are often strengthened by shared religious rituals, festivals, music and dancing.
In essence, community acts as both a shield and a sanctuary, offering protection from the onslaught of negativity from the external world while nurturing the resilience needed to bounce back after going through the loss of a loved one or any other challenge that life throws at you.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. I’m excited to announce the release of my latest book, “The Turning of the Circle: Embracing Nature’s Wisdom for Purposeful Living.” If you enjoy it, you might also be interested in my previous works, “Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul” and “Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago.” You can find all of these titles at reputable bookstores near you.
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