A sense of separation – a belief that we are alone, and that we don’t matter – almost always leads to depression. Such a worldview paints us as insignificant, yet the associated painful feelings are intense. We might chase relief through short-term pleasures, or seek importance in our achievements, but these are hollow distractions from what seems an ultimately meaningless existence.
Conversely, happiness is associated with feeling connected, not just to the people around us, but to things larger than ourselves, such as community, a worthy cause, a spiritual faith or being part of nature. The desire to contribute to these connections – regardless of how successful those contributions are – is closely linked to happiness, compassion, responsibility, optimism and perseverance.
This way of viewing the world also induces a sense of reverence and awe. To look at the veins in a leaf and realise how nutrients travel from the soil to feed the plant that gives us oxygen; to see photos from space and marvel at the vastness of the universe and the human capacity to explore its mysteries; that’s awe-inspiring!
Sadly, Western society began to neglect the importance of awe when the scientific revolution conceived the idea that humans would one day figure everything out and dominate nature. Using left-brain logic and reason, humans have indeed dominated the planet, but at the cost of natural right-brain responses such as love, respect, intuition, gratitude, awe and reverence.
Paradoxically, thinking that we are above nature makes us feel small and unimportant, while the sense that we are part of something bigger gives us a feeling of worth and belonging. If you’re feeling isolated or sad, go and look closely at something natural – a line of ants or a shifting cloud. Greet them as your fellow Earthlings. You can’t help but feel better.
Stephanie Hills ©