On May 10, 2016, National Geographic magazine published a story on the reintroduction of gray wolves into Yellowstone National Park. For many decades these apex predators were driven to extinction in the park due to their threats to livestock and the safety of people. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Yellowstone’s designation as the first national park in the United States, this highly reputable publication commenced a study of the effects of the removal of the wolves from the more than 2.2 million acres in 1995. The results are eye-opening!
Once the wolves were eradicated from the park, their primary prey, the elk began to flourish. The overwhelming increase in their population would lead to over-grazing and wandering, eventually the grass, shrubs and small trees were being consumed at a rate they did not allow them to replenish themselves. The ecosystem of the habitats of mammals such as mice and rabbits no longer had plants or bushes to hide. Not surprisingly their populations declined. The berries that once fed the birds and grizzly bears were being consumed by elks adversely affecting the bears’ diet and the needs for fat during hibernation. Bees, and other animals needed for pollination like birds and insects had fewer flowers to attract them.
A further unforeseen consequence was the erosion of streams and riverbanks. The heavy hoofs of the elk displaced the root systems that maintained their structure. In time the waterways became cloudy from the silt of loose soil. The muddy waters lowered the fish and amphibian populations. Beavers that once built dams to create ponds and channel the streams no longer had trees to construct them. Otters and water fowl also disappeared.
In 1995 when the wolves returned, the number of elk were 17,000, in 2016 that tally had fallen to 4,000. As the quantity of the elk decreased, their carcasses provided food for scavengers like the bears, coyotes, eagles and ravens. The banks of the waterways became firmer; trees and shrubbery grew faster and more prolific. The rejuvenated root systems prevented less destruction, making the waters clearer and healthier for the wildlife that inhabited them.
One of the most remarkable results of the wolf’s return was the improvement of the drinking water for the people of Billings, Montana. From trees and plants to the rivers, and wildlife, the balance of nature had been restored by the presence of the wolves. This is phenomenon is known as a trophic cascade.
We can all gain some very essential insights into this scientific examination, not just about the balance of nature that is critically important, but the fundamental connection that every life form has with each other. What is true in the natural order of existence must also be true for humanity. Across the creation stories of ancient civilizations, religions, and philosophical traditions, there is a consistent theme: human beings are designed for connection. Our very nature reveals a deep need for relationship and social interaction.
Abraham Maslow in his theory, “Hierarchy of Needs” lists both love and belonging as essential requirements for human development. The associations we develop with others are formative in our concept of ourselves and for progressing toward “self-actualization,” or living out the most authentic version of ourself.
Connecting with others builds our self-esteem and inspires us to care for them with compassion and empathy. Meaningful relationships are the core manifestation of a society that respects the rights and dignity of everyone. Regardless of race, creed, color, gender or any other trait, connectedness signifies the inherent need, worth and uniqueness of another.
Even science affirms the powerful effects of human bonding. Research shows that the brain releases a hormone called oxytocin from the hypothalamus into the bloodstream. This hormone is triggered by physical affection such as hugging, holding hands, gentle touch, massage, and sexual intimacy. Because of its role in creating emotional closeness and trust, oxytocin is often referred to as the “bonding hormone.”
Likewise, studies have found a positive correlation between human connections and healthful benefits. Research shows that strong relationships significantly improve both the prevention and treatment of many health conditions—including diabetes, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and, most importantly, psychological well-being.
Why We Need Each Other During Our Struggles
One of the clearest examples of how much connection shapes our physical and emotional struggles come from the teachings of Alcoholics Anonymous. From its founding in Akron, Ohio in 1935, by Bill Wilson (Bill W.) and Dr. Bob Smith (Dr. Bob), millions of people have found sobriety through their connections with others struggling with addiction. Beginning with attending meetings, finding a sponsor and transparent self-examinations, recovery and sobriety can be achieved. The members of AA are bound by their sincere and honest efforts to help each other and consequently in doing so, they help themselves.
There are many examples that manifest essential and necessary connections that must exist in nature for it to thrive. The interdependency of flora and fauna, as well as that of human society are integral to all life, from the first moment of creation until their inevitable death.
As written in the Book of Genesis, God saw what He had created and said that it was not good for man to be alone, so He made Him a partner/companion, for by its very nature, humanity is social in its essence. Unfortunately, there are times when humankind has forgotten its mandate from the Creator to have dominion over nature, which does not entitle ownership, rather it requires stewardship. When we ignore or destroy that connection to the world in which we live we endanger not only our environment but the future of humanity.
The social consequences of our care, protection and preservation of this planet is intimately connected to our welfare, so too as decisively as our need to do so for one another. Regardless of where we live, or whatever differences we may have, we are bound to each other in such a way that our benevolence or the lack of it towards each other will have far-reaching effects.
When we choose to connect with one another, we avoid isolation and the negative impacts of loneliness and depression. Belonging to groups that are based on common interests, team sports, instructional classes, and hobbies promote a deeper sense of self and the importance of belonging.
The famous poet John Doone sought to describe the connections that we have as humans in his poem, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” where he wrote:
No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less,
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend’s,
Or of thine own were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore, never send to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
In other words, we are all connected, no one truly stands alone and what touches one person inevitably touches us all. That’s why, in our lifelong search for meaning and purpose, we cannot ignore the essential role of connection, both our human relationships and our divine calling. It is through this search and these connections that we come to understand how all of creation is united in its origin and its ultimate destiny.
5 Steps to Building Social Connections
1. Start with this thought by poet William Blake:
I sought my God and my God I couldn’t find;
I sought my soul, but my soul eluded me;
I sought to serve my brother in his need, and I found all three.
My God, my soul and thee.
2. Listen with sincerity: Put your phone away, listen without planning your next response, and let people feel heard.
3. Share something real about yourself: Vulnerability can inspire connection. When you open a little, others feel safe to open too.
4. Follow up and follow-through: Schedule time to meet up. Consistency strengthens connection the way steady rainfall sustains an ecosystem.
5. Give before you expect to receive: Offer help, encouragement, gratitude, or support without keeping score. When we give freely, trust grows.