The Power of Connection and Lifelong Learning

Humans are a social species by design, with an inbuilt need to be with others, whilst qualities of care and kindness are innate in us all. Many of us are, however, living in a hyper-individualised world which encourages us to 'other' and separate from our communities, creating a culture of segregation and loneliness. In response, tides are turning across the world, as more and more people choose to look beyond the mainstream media stories and start instead to connect with our common humanity. We cannot be human alone - and it is our differences which make us so fascinating, and our diversity which allows our societies to flourish. And so what does it look like to live a life of care for others, and why is this in fact deeply good for us too?

In this week's episode, we explore the inconvenience of 'people-care', and the importance of nurturing caring and healthy communities in our lives - both near and far. We explore our connection to the behaviours of chimpanzees and bonobos; think about how to hold a deep legacy of colonialism within many cultures and reflect on some of the ways that acts of care for others can generate a deep sense of growth, healing and connection with ourselves.

In this conversation we reference the following:

• How to Citizen podcast - Barathunde Thursston (podcast)
• Who we are - or could be - in times of crisis - Rebecca Solnit (article)
• Jon Alexander - Citizens (book / movement)
• Bonobos & chimps - what our closet relatives tell us about being human (article)
• Watching the English - Kate Fox (book)
• Stories of Triple WellBeing - ThoughtBox (podcast)
• Dr Ezideen Shebab - Doctor / writer (linktree)
• Permaculture Principles (website)
• Brene Brown on empathy (video)
• The philosophy of ujamaa (article)
• Interpersonal Neurobiology - Dr Dan Siegel (website)
• Long for the Coast - Jamie Gould, musician (album)

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