The common threads in our humanness
Each person is different in some way. You will never encounter two people who are exactly alike. On the outside we all have differences and the way we act proves this. But if this is the case, then what actually brings us together as humans? We are genetically very similar but the connection goes much deeper than that. The common threads in our humanness are found in the specific underlying events and mannerisms we have and experience. An example of this is we all die. Having an expiry date gives life meaning and the fact that everyone has only one life means we share the responsibility of having as many experiences as we can before we die. Another thing we share is our emotions. All humans experience sadness, happiness and love because these emotions are fundamental to human nature. If most people watch a video of a cute baby smiling and giggling, their faces will light up with joy. Of course, this is due to the baby’s lovable appearance, but also because of its innocence. When looking further into it, innocence plays a role in one’s reaction because the baby is experiencing happiness in its purest form, not yet affected by the hardships of society. It tugs at one’s heartstrings to witness unadulterated happiness from a source as innocent as babies. Children are the continuation of life and therefore a common thread in humanity, as we all want to see the positive advancements of our species. Another example of human connection is seeing a close friend again after being separated for a long time. Seeing someone you love and have missed for a while brings joy because of the deep connection you share.
Much like feelings of happiness, sadness is something that every human goes through. Sadness could be experienced when tragically failing at something or losing someone close to you. Feelings such as empathy result from sadness, which allows humans to connect even further by sharing and commiserating similar sentiments or experiences. Emotions bring us together because we as humans are drawn to those who exhibit similar traits and act like us. Experiencing the same emotions connects us as a species because we can talk through our feelings with one another and relate to what the other person is going through.
Much like feelings of happiness, sadness is something that every human goes through. Sadness could be experienced when tragically failing at something or losing someone close to you. Feelings such as empathy result from sadness, which allows humans to connect even further by sharing and commiserating similar sentiments or experiences. Emotions bring us together because we as humans are drawn to those who exhibit similar traits and act like us. Experiencing the same emotions connects us as a species because we can talk through our feelings with one another and relate to what the other person is going through.
With an outward perspective, it is difficult to understand why any one person should feel isolated. At our core, humans are fundamentally very similar. We cry, we laugh, we go through hardships and successes all the same. There is a comfort in knowing that whatever we are experiencing, someone else has felt that same way. Realizing the common threads in our humanness is a form of mental relief and connection; we are not that different when stripped down to the simplest forms of ourselves. The human experience itself is unique to each individual but the fact is deep down we relate to each other through our emotions, common mannerisms, and milestones.
Your “easy to talk to therapist”
Kimberly Castle RTC, CAMC
Kimberly Castle is a Registered Counsellor with a private practice in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She focuses on Kelowna Counselling Solutions to empower individuals in all areas of their life. In her practice she works with individuals on a variety of topics including trauma, self-esteem, Kelowna child counselling and is your source for Kelowna EMDR.
Blog contribution by Olson Russello undergraduate student at University of Washington
