The Importance of Human Connection Human infants are born vulnerable and dependent on human connection for survival. They need protectors to thrive, not just physically but also psychologically. Without a secure protector, children face threats alone and go into survival mode, losing the ability to connect with others.
Belonging is Essential for Survival Belonging provides safety and protection that physical safety alone cannot offer. When children don't feel claimed or connected to a protector, they become hyper-aroused and lose their ability to relax, think, learn, trust or connect with others. This leads them into profound loneliness and disconnection.
Impact of Not Belonging Not belonging leads people to seek connections even when it's harmful (e.g., gangs). The pain of not belonging can lead individuals towards destructive behaviors like drug abuse or violence as an attempt to numb the loneliness caused by lack of connection.
'Who' Matters Most in Life 'Who' matters more than 'what.' Having genuine lifelines who claim us as their own is crucial for our well-being. Children in foster care suffer immeasurable harm from not being claimed by anyone despite physical safety measures being taken