We’re social beings. But not the only ones, and we see it with many other animals. Even certain tree species form entire, connective root structures from one tree to the next, creating an open sharing mechanism for communication and perhaps many other unknown-to-us functions.

Humans are unique with our quite dominant egos, which sometimes makes us feel like we’re in this all alone. Individualistic American culture adds to this.

The ego though, is thankfully not all there is.

Roshi Joan Halifax said it well, “Strong back, soft front.”

It takes courage to roll over, exposing our tender bellies to others. But they pick up on this, and our common sense of reciprocity and familiarity urges them to show us their soft bellies too. Thus, we inevitably become closer, feeling less alone.

What can we do today to strengthen our spine, giving ourselves the ability to more confidently connect with those around us?

See this and more from New Zealand here.