MindWorks
Gathering Perspective
Renita C. Gabriel, Psy.D., contributing editor
http://www.breakthroughspsycservices.com
This time of year abounds with gatherings of all types. Often they are get-togethers with our friends and family members, as in the case of weddings or family reunions. At other times they are meetings with strangers or co-workers as with school orientations or company picnics. Whatever the situation, the end of summer is a time when people gather together. As I reflect on this reality, I think about the potential benefits of coming together with others. Many of us are familiar with the literature that describes the potential health benefits of social supports (http://www.stress.org/topic-emotional.htm). In some cases, social supports have made the difference between life and death. Given that humans are considered social beings (Aronson, 1999), it should not surprise us to find that socializing with others is critical to enhancing our quality of life. Therefore, I will not overstate the importance of interpersonal connectedness to our species, but rather I would like to share how I have personally benefitted from community.
Admittedly, I am an introvert by design, but over the last several years I have become better acquainted with my extroverted side. As a result, a whole new world has opened itself up to me. While as an introvert I enjoyed being introspective, I found that I lacked perspective as it related to others and ultimately, to myself. Consider the illustration of a grocer gathering together produce to take inventory. The grocer can have a better idea of what types of produce he has and how much he has when the items are gathered together versus when they are scattered apart. Similarly, we gain greater insight into what we have and who we are when we gather with others and likewise, we are able to gain similar insight about those who surround us.
As we continue to enjoy this social time of year, I encourage us all to take time to gain perspective about ourselves and others in whatever communal event we find ourselves. Consider the following T.I.P.:
Take time to gather
Invite new perspectives into your way of thinking
Promote personal growth
Disclaimer: Please note that the monthly “TIP” does not constitute a therapeutic relationship with the readership nor substitute for a professional consultation with a licensed mental health professional.
References
Aronson, E. (1999). The social animal (8th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
