We have all heard “it takes a village to raise a child”. But in our fast-paced world of never-ending activities and constant search for fulfillment, how many of us can honestly say we are experiencing the fulfilling and comforting support of an interconnected community? The driving principal behind a village raising a child is interconnectedness. Interconnection is vital for our personal well-being, development, and positive contribution to our community.
Connection with others increases prosocial behavior and a belief that you can make a difference in the world (Coiuharenco et al, 2016)
I was fortunate to be one of those who was raised by a “village” The constant support, loving acceptance and positive encouragement of this extensive group of interconnected individuals enabled me to rise above circumstances that would have normally led to despair, depression and a lack of motivation to help myself and others.
Interconnectedness is a principal that is supported by all religious, cultural and scientific world views. Connection to others results in benefits to the individuals and the community at large. Jesus believed in interconnected community. By example and command, he encouraged his followers to demonstrate their relationship with Him through loving connections with one another.
“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples. ” John 13:34, 35
Loving kindness to others enables us to enjoy connections beyond our normal family circles and builds a united community that struggles less with social isolation and depression. The recent pandemic clearly showed that social isolation has a negative impact on an individual’s health and mental stability resulting in an increased financial burden on self and society.
A recent study of the worlds “Blue Zones” (those communities where individuals tend to have a healthy life span of 100 years) by Dan Buettner and his team found several commonalities in these communities.
One of the most significant was the connection with others in a long-term close relationship. These long-term relationships not only led to an increase in a longer lifespan compared to the rest of the world but also resulted in happier, healthier individuals who were more enthusiastic about helping their neighbours. The “Blue Zone” communities are less dependent on social assistance and experience far less crime and domestic altercations than the rest of the world.
Love your Neighbour communities seeks to build interconnection between individuals and groups regardless of their social, political, financial, religious or cultural background. We believe that it is this interconnection that will enable our communities to thrive. We urge you to join with us as we seek to build communities that will bring people and resources together for the benefit of all.
Boris Emanuel
Executive Director, LYNC