Certainty in the Uncertainty

Certainty in the Uncertainty

I am by nature a positive person.  So it comes as no surprise that I have chosen a positive lens to view current circumstances while a global pandemic swirls around us.

Here are a few certainties I have been reminded of recently, for your consideration:

1.       Children (babies, especially) respond to facial cues.

Seeing all the face masks around has made me appreciate the power of a smile.  In fact, some of you may remember ‘The Still Face Experiment’ where psychologists asked parents to stop responding to their babies’ cues and maintain an expressionless face void of emotion.  Results were staggering and conclusive:  lack of facial response affects brain development in infants.  You can read more here:  https://psychhelp.com.au/what-does-the-still-face-experiment-teach-us-about-connection/

2.       Humans need physical touch for emotional well-being.

Similarly, I have been thinking about research conducted in a Romanian orphanage years ago where one group of babies received loving touch and affection and another had their basic needs met, without warmth or affection.  The second group experienced serious health issues, even death.  Don’t believe me, read it for yourself:

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/06/neglect

My point is that humans are wired for warmth, interaction, response, touch and affection.  I worry about those who are isolated in a way that is much worse than physical.

3.       Money can’t buy happiness.

I know we all know this (cerebrally), but as budgets are stretched to breaking point and income and jobs lost, out of necessity we embrace a simpler lifestyle.  We watch our spending and pare it back to basics.  Instead we spend time at home with loved ones.  We dust off the puzzles and board games.  We cook instead of buy. We don’t need quite as many shiny, new things.  Please tell me what is wrong with any of that.  Our friends at the Raising Children Network have some wonderful advice on how to connect when we are unplugged: https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/connecting-communicating/connecting/connecting-with-your-preschooler

I believe that humans are wired for connection.  Online ‘connection’ can only go so far.  I look forward to hugs, kisses and handshakes.  I am thankful for this reminder that happiness that can be found in simple things. 

Let’s all do our best to let the things we do know keep us grounded… in these uncertain times.