ClosenessWe need closeness with others in order to function well. This seems obvious, but it is easy to forget about or neglect closeness in a society focused on productivity, and even more so, for many of us, when we feel scared. In part, closeness means touch, affection, play—the things that children demonstrate so spontaneously. It also means closeness for our hearts and minds. We cannot think our best about what to do unless we get in contact with other minds. We can’t feel fully, or move through our emotional hurdles, nearly as well alone as we can together. For me this has meant many close and vulnerable talks with friends as well as participation in an activist peer-counseling network (rc.org for more information). Being listened to supportively for an hour or more a week has made a tremendous difference in my outlook and functioning. |