Spark A Connection
I recently learned about mirror neurons. These cells found in our brains fire both when we’re experiencing something ourselves, and also when we observe someone else experiencing something. When the friend sitting across from us smiles over her coffee, we experience feelings associated with smiling. When we see someone hurting, mirror neurons prompt us to empathize.
We are literally hardwired to connect with our fellow human beings.
The research is clear: genuine social connection is as essential to our well-being as exercise, and the lack of it is as harmful as smoking. When the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory describing loneliness as an epidemic in 2023, he wasn’t exaggerating. Despite living in an always-online, ever-accessible world, loneliness is lowering our health outcomes and claiming lives.
In this issue, we’re celebrating the antidote by exploring how people are connecting in authentic ways today. Read about how local neighborhoods are creating spaces for community (p.46), how to make any gathering more meaningful (p.36), how an adaptive sport allows almost anyone to compete (p.30), ideas to help an older loved one fight against isolation (p.54, 58, 62), and more.
This winter, let’s get together. — Jessica Alyea
Read our winter issue here.
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