You know that moment…
When you’re looking out at the horizon and you see one of the most unbelievable sunsets you’ve
EVER
seen….
You look around…
and you find a person next to you.
Could be a different race, male/female, short, or tall.
You don’t know them…. but you look up at the sunset, then over to this person
and
for some reason you can’t help
But just… smile :)
This is called CONNECTION. Connection is created when we SHARE things. Whether it be a moment… our time… or a even a
lending hand.
Although its a bit unfortunate really.
Lack of connection is actually the #1 issue that faces our world today.
A lack of connection with the self, those around us, and the world that we live in.
WE fuel our own wars, starvation, and even problems in the household.
You see, we as human beings create these crazy stories in our heads
that lead us to believe we are ACTUALLY
better than other people based on where we are from, what we look like, or even what religion we believe in.
So much so, that many of us find it necessary to take the life of another human being.
Fortunately, everybody on earth has the potential to have a deeper connection with themselves, with others, and with the earth that we live in.
Its my belief that a unified world actually exists.
— — —
If you look at the human brain you’ll find that it produces 4 different chemicals — dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, & oxytocin.
The first 2 are our selfish chemicals — dopamine and endorphins. These are released in the brain when we achieve a milestone, smoke a cigarette, eat food, or even when we receive a notification that Jillian just liked our Instagram photo. An imbalance of these chemicals and we face issues like aggression, adhd, binge eating, and even depression.
The second 2 are our selfLESS chemicals — serotonin and oxytocin. These chemicals are released when we get an orgasm, receive a gift, or when we feel loved.
To clarify this for you, these are the chemicals that make us feel good when we
SHARE.
— — —
I’m sure you can see where I’m going with this. You may have gathered that our brain releases chemicals that make us feel good when we do things for ourselves and for others.
So…
What is the issue here?
Well. You know that thing called dopamine I just mentioned?
The good stuff.
Alcohol, cigarettes, pills, stimulants, social media, binge eating, partying, COFFEE, etc etc etc THE LIST GOES ON.
For many people, this is their favorite chemical. Its the Kim Kardashian of neurotransmitters.
Hey hey, easy easy.
Listen and hear me out.
Its okay to love dopamine. I
for one will be the first to admit that I looooooooove it. Posting on social media, late night coffee, and drinking with friends. It just feels SO good.
Alright alright Jared but what about the other chemicals?
OOO Let me tell you more about these. Believe it or not this is the reallly good stuff.
Seratonin and oxytocin are released when we SHARE things with other people.
Like that feeling you get when you wake up on your birthday and receive a text from a friend sending you their love.
Or even better
sitting next to someone, looking at one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen
Sharing a real connection with somebody you dont. even. know.
The reality is, all of these chemicals are important to us. Too much or too little of each chemical and we begin to lose balance.
A perfect mix, and you’ll begin to live a life that you never could of imagined.
— —
How to strike the perfect balance?
Here are a few actionable tips to help you develop a deeper connection with yourself.
- Our environments can sometimes be very toxic and encourage bad habits. Go on a trip by yourself — leave your phone and laptop at home and don’t forget a journal. Take the jump, I promise you’ll land on the other side :)
- Challenge yourself to curb any dopamine addictions you may have. Give yourself a shot at no alcohol, deleting Facebook off your phone, or minimizing smoking for a bit. Start small. Aim high.
- Give, give, and give. Put the needs of your friends, family, and community above your own. This will help form deeper bonds of trust amongst your circle. The more you give the more you receive.
— — —
Its beautiful you see.
As I write this, I look around my favorite coffee shop and hear my favorite song playing.
I’m reminded of a story told by the infamous Alan Watts.
Growing up, we are told to work hard so that we can make it to the next step.
“Get good grades” in First Grade so you can graduate.
“Get good grades” in college so you get a good job selling insurance.
“Meet that quota” and you so you make that.
All this time this thing is coming, coming, COMING — as if there is some END in sight!
Then one day you wake up at about 40 years old and you say,
“My God, I’ve arrived.”
You’re there and not feeling very different from what you’ve always felt.
As you think about that thought you slowly realize that…
that
THAT
we’ve missed it all
along.
Life is like a song meant to be lived from one beat to the next.
Composed gradually as if we are the writer of our own tune.
I dont want to be laying there
thinking.
thinking.
Thinking.
that what
we should’ve been doing was singing and dancing
all along…
— — —
