“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” (2 John 1:12)
Neurosciences wasn’t a field of study when John the apostle lived. Yet, John instinctively knew what was good for the human brain. He wanted to share some news but declined to write it on paper and send. Rather he wanted to meet face to face. He knew that the joy shared in person was far, far better than sharing it via a letter. How wise we would all be to follow John’s wisdom!
We live in a fast-paced, technology driven world where billions of bits of data and information are shared every day. In spite of this gluttony of information, we are not thriving. We are overly connected yet disconnected from what truly matters and nourishes us: meaningful, safe relationships. The human brain is wired for social interaction. It changes, for better or for worse, by being in contact with other people; other brains. We need more than an email, tweet, post, pin, or text. We need face to face interaction with others in order to thrive. In recovery, we need healthy human contact so that our brains have the best opportunity at healing from the alcohol, drugs, or medications that we have damaged them with, either knowingly or unknowingly. We need to be around people who love us. We need to be around people who encourage us. We need to be around people who share their joy with us, face to face.
You don’t have to be a brain scientist to know that being around good people is good for your brain. You can feel it in your heart, your soul and your body. Seek out the company of people who love you, believe in you, and encourage you. Also, be the bearer of joy for others; lift them up and share your goodness and love with them.
F.R.O.G. Practice: Make it a point to get together with someone today. Rely less on technology today, and more on real human connections. Share joy and love. Receive joy and love!
