As humans and as community dependent beings, we need to be assured that we exist by others.
We need to be touched. The first form of touch many of us were fortunate to have and needed to have was physical touch. Loving kisses and gentle care. Physical touch tells us – here you are in your physical form. Here is your skin. You are safe to be contained in that skin. You are safe to be.
We need to be heard. Our cries are the first forms of communication to our caretakers. Our survival as babies was dependent on being heard. As we grow, we continue to need to be heard. We need others to thoughtfully listen and often, repeat what we say so then we can hear ourselves anew. We need others to hear the thoughts we have to disrupt the loop of self-talk.
We need to be seen. And this is something we cannot do for ourselves. The closest is a reflection or in photos. We will never be able to stand across from ourselves and truly look into our own eyes. We need others to say I see you. You are worthy. You are right where you need to be.
Our survival, our growth and our everyday living depend on community. We were never meant to be alone. Living our best lives has to include other people. Other people need us to lift them up, and we need others to do the same for us. We need others who give us assurance, safety and belonging. We need others who recognize our existence, our worth and our gifts. We need one another right from the start and all throughout this beautiful life.
