Importance of Meaningful Social Bonds

Human beings are social beings. However, now a days a reverse and extremely disturbing trend can be seen among people that reflects an isolationist and reclusive approach.

People have turned into their own cocoon, a shell that they do not want anyone to enter, a personal space that is very strictly defined. Many have developed a hermit like characteristic and have reduced their social contact.

Many of us have turned bitter, uncaring, insensitive, mean minded, narrow minded, selfish, looking for an interest or credit in anything that we participate in, looking of ways to evade social responsibility, of helping people, fearing the expectations of people.

Some reasons that have led to this phenomenon is a general attitude of pessimism, suspicion, distrust due to various personal or general experiences. People may be forced to adopt such hard approach to avoid being taken advantage of, to avoid being duped, fear of being judged poorly by people, preoccupation with one’s own difficulties and problems, feeling incapable of helping, not confident about the effort that will be required etc.

However, in the end, it is people who can come to people’s rescue. Social bonds with neighbours, family members, people in the locality and bonds with strangers too help in having a fulfilling and meaningful life. We may tire of living for ourselves, and may find true happiness by helping people who mean a lot to us or people who are complete strangers but need our support and hand holding.

They are a force we can fall back on when things turn beyond our control. Making ourselves of use to others also leads to spiritual satisfaction and feeling of being a part of the universe. The good we do to others often comes back to us in our times of extreme need. Leave beyond your obsession with yourself and experience the joy of oneness with all people.