Do you remember learning in school the concept of survival of the fittest? Darwin's philosophy on the "evolution by natural selection" is often misunderstood. In current society, the concept typically fosters competition, separation, fear and appears to prey on those considered weak or vulnerable. It seems to justify an attitude of everyone being out for themselves. We are typically cultured to believe that you take care of yourself and/or your own.
Cooperation and compassion are powerfully successful survival strategies. Examples of which can be found over and over again in nature and in modern society. And yet, when it comes to our day-to-day interactions, how many of us default to this idea of survival of the fittest? Our schools, homes, corporations promote the culture of survival of the fittest. Competition versus collaboration is seen as the road to success.
For the past few weeks, I've shared posts on compassion. Louis Cozolino, professor of psychology at Pepperdine University, believes that, "Those who are nurtured best, survive best." He explains, "The brain is a social organ, it evolves to connect with other brains. When others feel something, we do too." We are all wirelessly connected. It's the foundation of empathy and compassion.
When we nurture children and adults, we ensure their survival. We promote their health and well-being. We enhance their learning. We support their overall growth, development and ability to not just survive, but to thrive. When our spirit is nurtured with feel hopeful, loved and connected.
Practicing compassion is nourishing to our heart and soul. We are never to old to nurture or to be nurtured. I invite us all to practice more compassion, to nurture each other. Imagine what the world would look like if we were all just a little bit more compassionate and nurturing to ourselves and to others.
Cooperation and compassion are powerfully successful survival strategies. Examples of which can be found over and over again in nature and in modern society. And yet, when it comes to our day-to-day interactions, how many of us default to this idea of survival of the fittest? Our schools, homes, corporations promote the culture of survival of the fittest. Competition versus collaboration is seen as the road to success.
For the past few weeks, I've shared posts on compassion. Louis Cozolino, professor of psychology at Pepperdine University, believes that, "Those who are nurtured best, survive best." He explains, "The brain is a social organ, it evolves to connect with other brains. When others feel something, we do too." We are all wirelessly connected. It's the foundation of empathy and compassion.
When we nurture children and adults, we ensure their survival. We promote their health and well-being. We enhance their learning. We support their overall growth, development and ability to not just survive, but to thrive. When our spirit is nurtured with feel hopeful, loved and connected.
Practicing compassion is nourishing to our heart and soul. We are never to old to nurture or to be nurtured. I invite us all to practice more compassion, to nurture each other. Imagine what the world would look like if we were all just a little bit more compassionate and nurturing to ourselves and to others.
RSS Feed
