Human connection is an essential part of life. A mother’s love and comfort are powerful healers. It is not frivolous advice, for example, when a baby is unwell, to suggest skin-to-skin contact with the mother. It is no surprise that when we are ill, no matter how old we are, we still crave warmth and kindness.
Now, I know you all have different relationships with your parents, and not everyone’s experience may be as heartwarming as what I have just described.
In fact, there may be the complete opposite. However, I do not say this to emphasise the mother–child relationship, but instead to introduce the wider concept of human connection.
In a world that is changing at a rapid pace, and with the real prospect of human and robotic integration, I want to take a moment this week to remind you of the importance of human connection, and to question the allure and hype of a purely technological world.
Humans are, by nature, social beings. We derive meaning and fulfilment from contributing to something larger than ourselves. This is why having a job means so much to some, and being with family means everything to others. Both fulfil the same objective: contribution.
And when it comes to healing, it does not happen in isolation. Healing is a community experience. Look at indigenous cultures and rural communities — they still have a ‘village’, where everyone supports the collective. When one person is unwell, others help.
In some indigenous cultures, several mothers maintain milk supply to feed all the young of the village, both their own and others.
So how does this relate to Epoch and your care?
You will know that we are more than just a chiropractic centre. The team go above and beyond to support you and create that sense of village. The open-plan design of the practice is intentional, creating an environment that promotes healing and community.
I encourage you to embrace this. When you are in the centre, say hello to the person next to you, you never know who you might meet. Join our community, attend events outside of your appointments, and become part of something bigger.
If there is ever more that the team or I can do to support your journey, please ask.
With love,
Tom
