Human Flourishing in Challenging Times

When the proper conditions are in place, human beings have the capacity to flourish. Often, it is the flourishing of individuals that causes communities to heal, families to bond , and friendships to shine. While the ripple effect of human  flourishing is a powerful and positive force, we are instead surrounded by broken communities, hurting families, and superficial connections.  So what are the conditions necessary for humans to flourish? Through a combination of observation, personal experience, and philosophical belief, it is my strong opinion that in order for humans to truly flourish, they must have a connection to a higher power, be connected to an authentic community, and participate in service unto others.

Unlike animals, human beings have a propensity towards questioning our existence. We often wonder where we come from and what the meaning of life is. This innate desire to understand our placement on earth is a shared human experience. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, being connected to a higher power helps humans cope with this mystery. According to the American Psychological Association, “Religion may fill the human need for finding meaning, sparing us from existential angst while also supporting social organization…”. In order to meet our highest potential, we must bridge the gap between our material and immaterial worlds in order to fully embrace our existence. .

Another innate desire shared among human beings is our need for social connection. This need is developed early in life and can be observed in newborn babies across racial, geographical, and socioeconomic strata. Renowned psychologist Harry Harlow conducted various experiments proving the devastating effects of social isolation, and the critical needs human beings have for social belonging and companionship. Put simply, we are social creatures. Without meaningful connections we can never be truly fulfilled. Participating in a community, whether social or religious, reinforces our identity and gives us a sense of belonging. Through our connections to others we gain skills like compassion, empathy, and patience. These skills are necessary not only for the healthy formations of society, but also for the healthy formation of our inner selves.

 Embracing the need for connection to a higher power and a meaningful community allows human beings to flourish by providing a sense of meaning and belonging; however, in order to fully flourish in a way that impacts society, we must also embrace the need for serving others.Through service we find purpose and dignity. As spiritual beings and social creatures, we must have the opportunity not only to receive from others but also to give. Service gives us purpose by illuminating our unique abilities and talents. It reveals to us what we bring to the table and it shows us that we are needed. Understanding that we have a unique ability to add to the human experience creates purpose. Purpose helps to ground us in our ability to thrive. . Human beings need to feel needed. We need to know that our community is better with us in the picture. Serving others does exactly this and more.

 When a person is connected to a higher power, an authentic community, and works in service unto others, their spirit comes to life and their community is improved. Without the opportunity for individuals to flourish, we will continue to see dysfunction and discord in our society, in our institutions, and in our homes. It is thus immensely important as individuals to strive towards that which will enable us to grow for the sake of the world around us.