on being stewards for the lesser
our psyche rewards us for being responsible for others
yes, babies! iβm on break for a little bit.
but i didnβt want to leave you hanging, so i am sharing with you some content i scheduled to come out during the time iβm out recharging.
enjoy - please share and comment. let me know how you feel about this piece in the comments, along with any insights you may have.
thereβs something profound and deeply rooted in human nature that drives us to care for those who are more vulnerable than ourselves. this instinct, to be stewards for the lesser, is not just a societal expectation but a fundamental part of being human. itβs woven into the fabric of our psyche, rewarding us emotionally and mentally when we take responsibility for others.
as a child, i remember the first time i felt this pull. my family adopted a stray dog, scruffy and skittish, with eyes that seemed to plead for love and safety. we called him pompi. taking care of pompi became my mission. i fed him, played with him, and comforted him during thunderstorms. each act of care brought me immense joy and satisfaction, far beyond the simple act itself. it was as if my brain was lighting up, rewarding me for my compassion and dedication.
psychologists suggest that this rewarding feeling is hardwired into our brains. taking care of others, whether itβs a pet, a child, or even a plant, releases oxytocin, often referred to as the βlove hormone.β this hormone not only enhances our mood but also strengthens our emotional bonds and social connections. itβs natureβs way of ensuring that we continue to look out for each other, creating a supportive and cohesive community.
this instinct to be responsible for others extends beyond our immediate circles. think about the countless volunteers who dedicate their time to causes they believe in, from environmental conservation to social justice. these individuals are often driven by a deep-seated need to make a difference, to be stewards for the lesser. and in doing so, they find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that is unparalleled.
being a steward is not always easy. it requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to put someone elseβs needs before your own. yet, the rewards are immense. iβve seen this in my own life, caring for loved ones during difficult times. the act of being there, of offering support and comfort, has strengthened my relationships and deepened my understanding of what it means to truly connect with others.
there's also a broader societal benefit to this instinct. when we take care of those who are vulnerable, we contribute to a more just and equitable society. itβs an acknowledgment that we are all interconnected, and that our well-being is tied to the well-being of others. this perspective fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility, reminding us that we are not alone in this world.
but thereβs a delicate balance to be struck. while our brains reward us for being responsible for others, itβs crucial to also care for ourselves. burnout and compassion fatigue are real risks for those who give endlessly without replenishing their own reserves. self-care is not a selfish act; itβs an essential part of being an effective and sustainable steward. only by nurturing ourselves can we continue to nurture others.
so, why are we programmed this way? perhaps itβs because, at our core, we understand that survival is a collective endeavor. our ancestors thrived not by going it alone, but by forming tight-knit communities where everyone had a role to play in supporting each other. this legacy lives on in us, driving us to be stewards for the lesser, to find joy and purpose in the act of caring.
as we navigate our modern lives, bombarded by individualistic messages and pressures, itβs worth remembering this intrinsic part of our humanity. the next time you feel the urge to help someone, to take care of something, lean into it. recognize that this is a fundamental aspect of who you are, a source of profound fulfillment and connection.
in a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, our role as stewards can bring us back to what truly matters. itβs a reminder that our greatest joys often come from the simplest acts of kindness, from being there for each other in moments big and small.
so letβs embrace this part of ourselves, nurturing it and allowing it to guide us. in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a world where empathy and compassion are at the forefront.
after all, being responsible for others is not just a duty; itβs a privilege that brings us closer to the essence of what it means to be human.
cuidate,
edgard
we need photos of pompi π«Ά