Science of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love

This episode I discuss the science of social bonding- the process by which we form attachments. I explain the neural and hormonal basis for "social homeostasis" (our drive for a given amount of socializing) which reveals why we get lonely, why we seek out connection with others and how power dynamics (hierarchies) shape those connections. I also discuss the neurochemical basis of introversion and extroversion, of trust and how shared experiences that promote similar physiological states in two or more individuals, leads to more rapid bonding. I also discuss how food and oxytocin play key roles in social bonding. This episode covers quality peer-reviewed science and practical tools for anyone seeking to find, build or end relationships.
#HubermanLab #Neuroscience #Relationships
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 Social Bonding: Child-Parent, Romantic, Friendship, Breakups
00:02:55 ROKA, Athletic Greens, Headspace
00:07:08 Social Bonding as a Biological Process
00:10:03 Social Isolation
00:13:32 Social Homeostasis & Neural Circuits for Social Drive
00:18:55 Brain Areas & (Neuro)Chemistry of Social Drive
00:22:48 What is Social Homeostasis & Dopamine
00:27:00 When We Lack Social Interactions: Short- Versus Long-Term
00:28:10 Introverts & Extroverts
00:31:00 “Good” Versus “Bad” Social Interactions & Hierarchies
00:33:54 Loneliness & Dorsal Raphe Nucleus & Social Hunger
00:37:33 Tools
00:38:05 Socializing & Food Appetite: Crossover Craving
00:42:45 Falling in Love
00:45:05 Tools for Social Bonds: Merging Physiologies; Story
00:53:54 Childhood Attachment Patterns in Adulthood
01:03:45 Attachment Styles: Autonomic Versus Intellectual Attachment
01:06:10 Emotional Empathy & Cognitive Empathy, Arguing
01:09:45 Allan N. Schore & “Right Brain Psychotherapy”
01:10:40 Oxytocin & Trust, In Males Versus Females, Hormonal Glue
01:16:10 Repairing Broken Bonds to Self & Others
01:18:56 Social (Media) Butterflies: Biological Basis
01:24:08 Key Points for Bonding & Understanding Social Bonds
01:27:07 Breaking Up
01:28:36 Synthesis
01:31:17 Zero-Cost Support, Sponsors, Patreon, Thorne, Instagram, Twitter
Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - www.blabacphoto.com

[@divyanshsahu4381]

Everyone deserves to feel loved and have good friends, but many people face certain situations while growing up with toxic parents, siblings, or getting teased by classmates. This makes them feel unloved and left out, resulting in social isolation and then loneliness. To anyone reading this, if you had a tough childhood, don't let whatever happened during your childhood prevent you from being the best version of yourself. Don't judge yourself for your social skills, those are merely skills, that can be learned through practice and observation. Open yourself to the world and show it your amazing, weird, goofy self and see the magic happen. Please don't sabotage yourself by turning down invitations or other opportunities to meet amazing people. The pain of loneliness is the worst thing in this world, some people feel that for a short time, while some with troubled childhood feel that they deserve it and accept it as their fate. That is not your fate, stop feeling sorry for yourself and immediately take charge of your social life. Nobody deserves to feel left out and lonely. NOBODY.

[@funygameur]

Well said !

[@xmlearninganddiscipline]

Thank you :)) Your comment really encouraged me!

[@Anotherhumanexisting]

Thank you for this

[@WhoKnows11111]

There are other reasons someone might be in this situation too, not just bad childhood.

[@Subs1338]

Hitler?

[@BloodSweatTears1000]

Andrew Huberman is single-handedly rewiring my brain such that I am looking forward to Mondays

[@AgendaInMind]

Most of the more severe illnesses happen to people because an upsetting event occurs in their lives taking them by surprise, unexpectedly, impacting first in the brain, then in the corresponding organ which that part of the brain controls. The end of WWI had absolutely everything to do with the Flu and lung TB outbreak that occurred killing millions. In nature, the biological conflict linked with a territorial fear (just what it means-a fear in your territory, your home, your community, etc.) is a widening of the bronchia (tissue loss). Your body attempts to widen your bronchia in order to allow more air into your lungs to give you more strength and energy to fight to keep your territory safe. Stay with me.......The biological conflict linked with a death fright impacts the lungs. The lungs attempt to grow larger in order to allow more air in because breath equals life, as we all know. No breath equals death. While you are in the fear or death fright conflict, you notice no symptoms of “disease”, except you have cold hands, cold feet, you can’t sleep, you awaken at 3 AM every night, you have little appetite. During the war, millions of people were in fear of the bombing of their homes and cities where the war was most active. Fearing for their lives, their loved ones in the war, their ability to survive. The food in the stores was sparse due to shortages. This lasted for 4 long years! The longer the conflict, the worse the healing phase. Within 2 weeks of the German Chancellor announcing the end of WWI, these millions of people ALL went into the healing phase all at the same time. It is during the healing phase that you experience symptoms of illness! What is the healing phase of the bronchia widening? Severe bronchitis, pneumonia. The body attempts to refill this lost tissue and you experience inflammation, fever, coughing, body aches, fatigue, etc. What is the healing phase of the extra lung tissue that grew? Decomposing of the tissue by TB bacteria and fungi. The symptoms of this healing phase are: severe coughing up of blood and tissue, fever, inflammation, severe mucous, body aches, fatigue. During this decomposing of the extra tissue (tumor), the body expels a lot of protein, and without replenishment, severe protein loss can result in death. Antibiotics did not exist yet. If TB bacteria does not exist in a person or they have been vaccinated against TB (big mistake), then the tumor will simply encapsulate and become dormant and not harm you. Who died during the Spanish Flu? Mainly the poor who could not afford to buy meat and proper nourishment, and the people who were directly impacted by the bombings and destruction of their homes. Millions of people suffered fear and death frights during the fighting of WWI, and millions of people all went into healing at the end of it. Not everyone was affected because not everyone suffered the same way. It’s not a “flu”, it’s not something you “catch”. It’s biological, meaningful, and unavoidable. One hundred years later, a Fear Campaign begins, using the media to spread it......

[@oscargarza804]

single handedly revolutionazing youtube

[@michaelslattery513]

and turning me into an introvert...

[@sasavukelic]

me too 😂

[@Gretchenbrooke]

Agenda In Mind … Wow… powerful insight and info 🙏

[@Eliger3]

Hey Dr. Hope you read this. You’ve literally changed my life. From me a few months ago to now is an absolute 180. I have depression, anxiety and ADHD and have taken your advice and I’ve never felt better so thank you kindly. You’re a life saver, literally. EDIT: Also would like to add that because of Dr. Huberman. I was able to find the motivation to start my own online business which I just launched last week. No customers as of yet, but hey I started! Which was hard since I have inattentive adhd and never thought I’d be able to do it. I really hope that this inspires anyone reading this who is going at it tough that there is hope so keep pushing and there is always light at the end even though it may not seem like it.

[@Eliger3]

For anyone wondering what has helped me. 1. Meditation! Mindfulness! 2. Early morning sun. I used to sleep all the time being I have depression. This is a must add to your mornings. It’s hard at first but hang in there and it’ll change you! 3. Fish oil, magnesium glycinate. I’m sceptical about supps. But I can say magnesium glycinate is doing something positive. 4. Cold showers. I hated cold showers. But after about a few weeks you will look forward to it. Strange but true. If anyone needs me to clarify or further tips please let me know. We all deserve to be happy as we all only have one shot at this.

[@Eliger3]

@@emectar1773 wow. Saw your post after posting above. What a coincidence. Have a look and let me know if you need further info.

[@adhrit1426]

@@Eliger3 Hi what dosage of Mag Glycinate do you take and also what brand do ya prefer?

[@IEVAKambarovaite]

This is incredible!! Well done you for taking action

[@Eliger3]

@@adhrit1426 Hey Anubhav, I take 3 x 600mg caps a day. The brand I take is nutralife. They’re a New Zealand brand. I haven’t tried any other brand as I’ve only been on it for a few weeks but I can say it’s definitely doing something. I’m a skeptic though with supps but I 100% feel something from them. Only supp I can say I actually feel something from.

[@arnohovhannisyan7624]

Hi professor Huberman, could you please talk about humor? What's the neuroscience behind it? Why do we have it? I don't know whether there is sufficient literature to discuss such topic but I'm sure it would be very interesting. Thank you so much for your hard work!

[@danielleashkettle5932]

This was a really good thought! I would love to hear the answer to that as well!

[@sarawilde7493]

This one would be so good as an episode. I love humor. 💛

[@mooselessness]

would love this. As well as, how to improve humor! I heard of an interesting study where subjects would write captions for photos, and other subjects would grade them based on how funny they found them. apparently, over time, they got a bit better!

[@AwareParenting]

Great idea! The neuroscience of humor would be amazing!

[@davyroger3773]

Bret weinstein has an intresting evolutionary argument for humor as a male sexual display; 1. Women are selecting for men with humor 2. This is because making a group of people laugh is a proxy indicator of high social status 3. Humor is the recognition of patterns that make sense but are not consciously apparent to everyone, i.e to make a joke is to seize a social opportunity. Therefore humor can be an indicator of a greater acuity for spotting opportunities to gain resources or status

[@wednesday6018]

Note to self: If strawberries start tasting sweeter while in a relationship it's because my brain has been releasing oxytocin, vasopressin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and phenylethylamine. Got it.

[@winbalingit8502]

Wednes Day, Thank you!!🙏🏽❤️ Merry Christmas and happy New Year’s girl!!😂❤️✊🏽✌🏽

[@wednesday6018]

@@winbalingit8502 You're so sweet 🥰

[@triciamedora9274]

Exactly!

[@michaelslattery513]

now post it on your fridge.

[@TeacherMom80]

Great comment -- I love it! 💖🙏🏼😆

[@AMellowSkater]

Andrew, your podcast about dopamine and addiction was the trigger that pushed me to finally quit cigarrettes and tobacco use. I’m 6 days free now and have not felt this good and awake in years. I want to thank you wholeheartedly for your effort and time in making these.

[@lauraschoen5860]

Congrats on quitting smoking! I quit in 2008, after smoking 16 years. I flipped that switch so hard that occasionally, I will have a dream that I am smoking, but I always think "WTF and throw my cigarette away".

[@user-uq1nm3iv8i]

@AMellowSurfer There were tons of replies here under your comment where did they all go? So weird I've never seen so many replies deleted from under one comment before. I don't think it was yt either.

[@lauraschoen5860]

@@user-uq1nm3iv8i perhaps I have that affect.

[@user-uq1nm3iv8i]

@@lauraschoen5860 🤣🤣🤣 Not a good affect to have then.

[@lauraschoen5860]

@@user-uq1nm3iv8i lol....may you find all your answers!

[@s.bibula7585]

My therapist actually recommended your podcasts to me, and this one was the first one I watched, starting with "Childhood Attachment patterns in Adulthood". I LOVED it! Thank you so much.

[@user-uq1nm3iv8i]

Is that video on this channel about childhood attachment patterns? Sounds really interesting and would love to watch!

[@Poetry4Peace]

AMAZING

[@s.bibula7585]

@@user-uq1nm3iv8i, each section is labeled on his website, and the videos here are also sectioned. You just click the one you want, and it takes you to that point. Each video is long, so he has made it easy to find particular segments to watch. I think it's a great tactic!

[@staciarule9218]

I recommended THIS podcast to MY therapist :)

[@user-uq1nm3iv8i]

@@s.bibula7585 Thank you! 🙂

[@kurukuruneko]

Thank you so much! I had a serious bond with my cat, who passed away 3 weeks ago. For about 2 years of quarantines and online work he was my only close friend. He used to have multiple health issues and as he got worse I was syringe feeding him, giving medication every 6-8 hours and even organized space to monitor his night sleep. I was so anxious that I could only sleep when he sleeps and was checking on him multiple times. After he passed away, my body just forgot what it should do. I'd just lie down with my eyes open with zero comprehension of time going by. Your explanation of the loss was the most beautiful thing I've heard for a long time, I felt like someone acknowledged my right to grieve the loss of my cat. Bond is a bond if you feel like the one you're bonding to is special, no matter if it is "just" a cat. Body treats it all the same

[@barbarafairbanks4578]

asat.o I can completely relate to your experience, having lost my dog in 8/2019. I am finally, just now returning to a fairly 'normal' state. My dog also was sick - had cancer for 3 yrs. I had him on a very pricey protocol of nutriceuticals for cancer, CBD oil, vita. D therapy, homemade organic 'human' food, nutritional mushrooms, Chinese herbs, and a couple pharmaceuticals, plus regular acupressure treatments! This type cancer is what's medically termed 'indolent' meaning 'painless.' So he did beautifully for 3 years after diagnosis. I practically went to the poor house with all the expense of this protocol. But it seemed to work so I just kept going. This same cancer is typically highly fatal in dogs soon after diagnosis, or sometimes even before. Both his vets called him their miracle dog. He went downhill very quickly and passed away at home, peacefully, painlessly. Like you, I was devastated and seemed to lose all my motivation or even knowing who I was or how I should 'go about' my day. I felt like I didn't have 'a day' to 'go about'! My life was just a jumble of messy feelings & hopelessness 🙄 I did take advantage of reaching out to a pet-loss counselor - a free phone service - who was so awesome and helped pulled me out of the intial depths of despair, and feelings of guilt...we all feel that guilt after caring for a loved one who passes... (if ONLY I'd done THIS or done THAT, they would still be here...that type of guilt.) The counselor explained that we need to let this guilt GO, because holding onto it keeps us stuck, (we can't move forward) - we are unaccepting of the situation, and still hoping it isn't true, even though we know it is! So, she got me over the hump, to begin my journey back to finding myself and living my life. But for nearly 2 years I had very little motivation. Everything, even little things, were completely overwhelming. Dr. Huberman's Podcasts were a huge lifesaver - he threw me a life raft this past January that I've clung to ever since! I began to realize I had so little dopamine in my brain and that's why the low motivation. My dog's passing and all the anxiety & stress leading up to it changed my brain in a very bad way! So, I've followed all of Dr. Huberman's advice - watched all his podcasts and can finally say I am back to living life...not just existing. I am very sorry for the loss of your kitty. I can totally relate to your situation and your feelings. I am glad that you have also found help here with Dr. Huberman's very informative and actionable lectures. Merry Christmas & my 'Best' to you in the coming year😊

[@kurukuruneko]

@@barbarafairbanks4578 oh wow, thank you for your support and your story! It must've been a hard journey for both of you. I had this guilt after my older cat passed away - I took him as elderly cat and he stayed with me for 4 years. I was just begging to live separately from my parents and my life was a mess. I remember asking for cat food packs for my birthday as a present and friends supported us. His previous owner didn't say anything about his health, so after his kidneys started to go wild, I discovered he only had one functional and when it was too late. He was in icu for a week and got comatose with no signs of getting any chance. I had to make a decision and put him down, he probably had 12 hours more of painful unconscious existence. That guilt weighted on me until Qat died, my little one. I took him as 3 year old cat and he was sick from the first day. I did everything. I've found best doctors. I was trying so hard to redeem myself and he died anyway. Looking back I realized, what I actually did good last with my elder cat with all resources I had. I miss both of them, but strangely I'm at peace. Hurts as hell, but I don't have anyone to blame. Sometimes I just don't get what I want no matter how hard I try. I wish we had counseling where I live, but unfortunately civilization hadn't spread that far yet. I had a session with emergency general psychology consultation, but weirdly enough - it is the rest of my life hurts. I had to put up with a lot of bad things to secure my cats health - overworking, horrible working conditions, being dependent on parents for housing (at some point it was a choice between paying rent or crashing my parents place and paying for cat treatment)... now I don't have an excuse to tolerate all this. Before my life was a shit I'm dealing with and my amazing little cat, now it is just shit. The void of unaccounted trauma is just opens before me

[@ThingsILove2266]

I’m sorry. There is no thing as “just a cat”… love is love❤

[@fayekalantzis4523]

@@barbarafairbanks4578 deepest sympathy warm hugs Be kind to yourself as you move forward to an exciting future there are more animals who need someone to love them 🙏♥️👍😁💎

[@aimee9478]

Of course it's never "just" a cat (or "just" anything). :) It's been a year since this comment has been left. I truly hope that you've been kind to yourself, that your wound has healed (as much as it can) and that you're doing well now!

[@juliasteinmetz1662]

I’m listening to all your podcasts in order and just learned, in the episode with Lex Fridman, that you had recently lost Costello, your dear friend and companion. This is very late, but I’m so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed how you talked about him and I can only imagine how profound the loss must feel. Thank you for speaking openly about him and how you said goodbye.

[@triciamedora9274]

Costello had an amazing presence & absolutely was meant to be a part of this podcast.. So adorable!

[@Nohandle...]

I'm watching this on my phone and Andrew had a perfect pair of glasses on for 3 seconds an I was like oh wow but realised it was simply a couple cracks in my phone

[@nicholebaker5315]

I’m so sorry to learn Costello passed. My heart breaks for you. Thanks for all you do on this podcast -it’s fantastic ans much needed.

[@ct2530]

wtf

[@miaoFoodNow]

I would love to see more around Social Bonding & Oxytocin. An episode on Highly Sensitive People (HSP) would also be intriguing.

[@HannahIm]

I agree. I have some HSP characteristics myself, and I'm interested in learning more about it.

[@jJust_NO_]

HSPs are the extreme introverts i guess. being isolated/antisocial for so long, the brain has a need to become hyperattuned to its environment thus it tend to sense more or even amplify the data it collects.. sometimes creating narration of such experience in a narrow view.. meaning whatever theme is most dominant in ones mind, thats what you sense more in the environment, a preconceived notion... what are you most hypersensitive about? what do you get ( a feeling state) when socializing??? more negative or positive? too many variants to consider...

[@luisOctubre64]

How fortunate I feel to attend this professor's exquisite lectures complete free of charges. So greatful!

[@IIGrudge]

Wow. I was telling my friend that I feel I am actually an extrovert that became introverted by upbringing. I'm lonely and don't out but I yearn that social interaction. This puts that feeling into scientific terms. I'm so stoked.

[@cristianpopescu5120]

Andrew, after i watched your podcast about dopamine, i managed to quit pornography! Pornfree for 3 months and never going back, such a big difference!

[@michaelslattery513]

nobody likes a quitter.

[@borisleoro8943]

Wow brother im at 31 days

[@cristianpopescu5120]

@@borisleoro8943 congrats! We go strong, bro!

[@cristianpopescu5120]

@Brett M the podcast number 39

[@cristianpopescu5120]

@Brett M you are welcome

[@patricialancaster4320]

Bondings have been my greatest challenge in life. As Helen Keller I've learned to turn away from the world around me. To connect with the invisible world. Tenderly love calls me into intimacies beyond what I have known. Changing me in ways I have no control of. Bonding with the spiritual world makes the visible world at peace and in harmony. I have neurological brain damage. Those that have labeled me as "weird". I'm able to laugh. They see in me a part of themselves. It scares them. No way am I lonely.

[@michaelslattery513]

sounds like somebody has been doing some seriously profound introspection...

[@sunniemoon2621]

My emotional and cognitive well being increases every time I consume your content. Thank you for what you do, Dr. Huberman.

[@roksana.zinchenko]

Huge thanks to you Prof Huberman for your altruism ! You have been literally saving and improving people's lives !

[@shirintobie-paul3501]

Let’s get this channel to 1 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS by DECEMBER 31, 2021☀️

[@sarah-anneperry6932]

Just finished a university course on psychopharmacology and this podcast is just the cherry on top. Lots of dots to connect and food for thoughts. Thank you Andrew for keeping my mind well nourished!

[@polymathpark]

don't keep those revelations you've gleaned from connecting said dots from the rest of the scientific community! Transparency between fields of study is crucial to our overall progress and meta-science.

[@sarah-anneperry6932]

@@polymathparkI've been reflecting on the role of dopamine and serotonin and their influence on thought patterns. I am an avid meditator and have a deep fascination for observing how my thoughts emerge. If we take dopamine for example, who its role is very roundly to move us towards what feels good and to ultimately recreate those experiences, I ask : how does it achieves this? And all I can seem to think about are thoughts. Let's say that i really enjoyed interacting with an individual, my thoughts will probably look like "wow this person is awesome, I wish to see them more" and the mind goes on about how great of an addition that person is now to our lives. So the more these thoughts are powered by, in this case dopamine, the more those thoughts transform into beliefs and belief systems and thus reinforcing the habit of moving towards them. Seems to me that dopamine when interacting/working with specific regions of the brain serves as some sort of projector that we interpret as specific thoughts.

[@barbarafairbanks4578]

@@sarah-anneperry6932 well...there ya go! Cannot figure out the brain WITH the brain...scientific fact.

[@andywestern7719]

Andrew, my heart goes out to you and I extend my sincere condolences on the loss of Costello.

[@lanedewar73]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you do!! Your ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear way is remarkable!

[@pranavpuranik29]

God! This podcast is making me love biology, and appreciate all the research community :D Schools did the exact opposite thing, I hated all this soo much. Thank you. You are a legend.

[@jacksonlipfert1633]

I'll throw another "podcast changed my life" on the pile, truly top quality content. Could you do an episode about meditation and mindfulness specifically? I know meditation touches on NSDR but I'd love to hear more about brain changes, specific practices for cultivating those changes, and other types of meditation beyond traditional vipassana. Is there research on loving kindness meditation or tonglen? I'd love to hear you tackle the subject. Thank you for all you do!

[@alphaetomega9887]

Thank you for your interest in the topic 😁💗

[@gitanodel69]

I think I saw him (maybe on twitter) saying he would do so in the near future

[@4rt3m1sX]

I love when people use their hotness for good. Thanks for making these studies so accessible to us, this podcast has been one of my favourites this year!!

[@lovelee9315]

You are my go to for all things neuro, you're just so easy to listen too and waste no time with superfluous information. Thank you, so greatful for your work.

[@timobatana6705]

I'm 5 months behind on episodes I'm going to have to start watching at least three a day. This is arguably the most important KZbin channel in existence. The work you are doing here is improve my life dramatically I can't even describe it I literally tell everyone I know about it. I wanted to answer these questions that you've answered for so long and understanding my own neural anatomy to this degree is just help me so much I wish that I could explain the richness I have in knowledge of myself. I'm going to have to put it in a song

[@AboodCohen]

Thank you professor Huberman for the life changing information, free information like this is being taking for granted these days ❤️

[@GeorgeKottakis]

Dr Huberman a video on hair loss would be very much appreciated.

[@Kevin-dh7td]

Not even 15 minutes into this video and we get a very clear explanation of what's happening in the world right now. I just stumbled upon your channels while browsing Instagram and I'm hooked already. Thank you so much for brining science and biology, in a very understandable way, free of charge. You're a legend!

[@obigspritztkenobi487]

i noticed this in italy. all villages where there is a community , where ppl meet weekly 1 -2 times to get all together and do everything together. and they all turn over 100 years.

[@hannahjames4823]

Ty Andrew for helping me understand the various layers of the brain in understanding my emotional and cognitive roller coaster I'm experiencing with my daughter post my recent loss of my noble physician husband

[@jasonnieuwenhuis335]

This age of podcasting is 1000% game changer for me. Through listening to you I’ve learner I’m on the autistic spectrum. I’d love to hear a full episode from you on this subject. I’m in my mid 40’s and I never knew why I was so different. Now that I have a framework to help me understand and predict my thoughts and behaviour I’m feeling so much better.

[@softerliving]

You are the first scientist who has validated my strong feelings of empathy. I know it is subjective, but learning about the hormones involved makes perfect sense to me. Thank you for speaking on these topics. It gives me ideas for furthering my progress in my therapies. Thank you!

[@memastarful]

This video subject came right on time. I just let go of a very good guy because he just doesn't show anymore interest like he once did. Grateful for every person that crosses my path no matter how little or long they are around. You can always grow and learn from anyone. Stay fascinated with life.

[@Milan-mh4nc]

You let him go and wonder why he doesn't show interest? Did I understand that correctly?

[@hunternichols6273]

@@Milan-mh4nc I believe she's saying the guy hasn't been showing interest like he use to and she let go of him due to that

[@memastarful]

@@hunternichols6273 thank you for explaining

[@memastarful]

@@Milan-mh4nc sorry you didn't understand my post friend. I let him go because he hasn't been showing me interest like he did in beginning. He has pulled away and more distant. So I just let go moving onwards. No use trying to get him to like me if he really just doesn't.

[@Milan-mh4nc]

@@memastarful I see. Good on you for noticing that.

[@nomagicfin]

Merry Xmas Dr. Huberman! You are helping me knowing myself better. I have also realized that many of the reactions I have are "normal" and that has made me feel a lot better! Looking forward to 2022!

[@mahsamoadeli5294]

This channel has easily become my favorite channel on KZbin. Perfect for thought provocation, perfect as white noise when falling asleep, perfect for entertainment. 10/10 from me.

[@maesingsmaeplays3407]

This podcast is such a gift! A friend shared with me right when you started and I'm so grateful. Thank you Andrew 💛

[@TeacherMom80]

Thank you, Dr. Huberman! 🤗 What a beautiful episode. I appreciate your work so very much. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 💖🙏🏼🕊️

[@ShashaTe]

When u are speaking doc, it feels like my brain is talking to me ..... So fulfilling and satisfying to hear from you sir. ☺

[@noahtaylor8673]

I'm crazy about this podcast, and I talk about it to my friends and family all the time, but the Ram Dass joke just won me over forever. Thank you Dr. Huberman, you're really changing lives.

[@SentiCooks]

Thank you for creating a podcast like this. I know your viewers recognize and appreciate the amount of time and energy you've invested, including myself.

[@mattgallant6910]

Thank you for changing my life with the information I have learned from you🙏🏻

[@Dkdudeman]

Andrew, last week's interview and the discussion about the visual cortex really got me interested in what you know about aphantasia. If there's enough data to make clear statements about it in an episode (or possibly a full episode on visualization or something), I would be very grateful. But I always appreciate your content. It's helped me in ways beyond words.

[@reinerso1992]

Thanks Dr Huberman. I have approached your podcasts as a student and taken notes on things I find very useful (which is a LOT of the content) and have already begun to see profound changes in my life. I started watching your videos maybe 2 months ago and am so glad I started doing so. Please keep the amazing content coming, because I honestly will probably be watching these for life.

[@Kimsterr45]

Dr. Andrew Huberman, I wish I could describe to you how incredibly grateful I am for your existence! Thank you SO much for the time and effort you put into writing these lectures for us to be able to easily understand the amazing science out there. Thanks to your lectures, I feel so empowered and more compassionate towards myself and others because of the knowledge I'm gaining about the brain and how it all works.

[@moeinpy]

Let's appreciate the great choice of timing for this episode 💯

[@basecode06791]

Understanding how to act under conditions of incomplete information is the highest and most urgent human pursuit. -Nassim Taleb, The Black Swan

[@AgendaInMind]

Most of the more severe illnesses happen to people because an upsetting event occurs in their lives taking them by surprise, unexpectedly, impacting first in the brain, then in the corresponding organ which that part of the brain controls. The end of WWI had absolutely everything to do with the Flu and lung TB outbreak that occurred killing millions. In nature, the biological conflict linked with a territorial fear (just what it means-a fear in your territory, your home, your community, etc.) is a widening of the bronchia (tissue loss). Your body attempts to widen your bronchia in order to allow more air into your lungs to give you more strength and energy to fight to keep your territory safe. Stay with me.......The biological conflict linked with a death fright impacts the lungs. The lungs attempt to grow larger in order to allow more air in because breath equals life, as we all know. No breath equals death. While you are in the fear or death fright conflict, you notice no symptoms of “disease”, except you have cold hands, cold feet, you can’t sleep, you awaken at 3 AM every night, you have little appetite. During the war, millions of people were in fear of the bombing of their homes and cities where the war was most active. Fearing for their lives, their loved ones in the war, their ability to survive. The food in the stores was sparse due to shortages. This lasted for 4 long years! The longer the conflict, the worse the healing phase. Within 2 weeks of the German Chancellor announcing the end of WWI, these millions of people ALL went into the healing phase all at the same time. It is during the healing phase that you experience symptoms of illness! What is the healing phase of the bronchia widening? Severe bronchitis, pneumonia. The body attempts to refill this lost tissue and you experience inflammation, fever, coughing, body aches, fatigue, etc. What is the healing phase of the extra lung tissue that grew? Decomposing of the tissue by TB bacteria and fungi. The symptoms of this healing phase are: severe coughing up of blood and tissue, fever, inflammation, severe mucous, body aches, fatigue. During this decomposing of the extra tissue (tumor), the body expels a lot of protein, and without replenishment, severe protein loss can result in death. Antibiotics did not exist yet. If TB bacteria does not exist in a person or they have been vaccinated against TB (big mistake), then the tumor will simply encapsulate and become dormant and not harm you. Who died during the Spanish Flu? Mainly the poor who could not afford to buy meat and proper nourishment, and the people who were directly impacted by the bombings and destruction of their homes. Millions of people suffered fear and death frights during the fighting of WWI, and millions of people all went into healing at the end of it. Not everyone was affected because not everyone suffered the same way. It’s not a “flu”, it’s not something you “catch”. It’s biological, meaningful, and unavoidable. One hundred years later, a Fear Campaign begins, using the media to spread it......

[@nadi4080]

어머 서구 오빠가 어제밤에 말했던 거네?🧐

[@quarantees8736]

This has really helped me understand a challenging relative & to let go of trying to form a deeper relationship. Big thanks

[@marioo.4742]

Just wanted to say how grateful I am for this podcast. I was in a depressed state when I found this podcast and was able to break out by consistently taking cold showers for about a month before I noticed a significant change. Now it has been months that I've been doing this off and on so I don't become cold adapted. I've watched every episode from the episode 1 till this one here and I just needed to express my gratitude because the info has changed my life and my family's life. Not sure if Andrew will ever get this but I'd like to think deep down he will. Thanks again.

[@slashy5973]

Such an honour to learn all these things from you bro. What a life what an opportunity. Thanks from the bottom of my heart 💜.

[@arsplastiques]

May we just pause to note how awkward and adorable his anecdote about his sister was? The neuroscience stuff is cool too ;) And I don't mean his anecdote was awkward, but his discomfort around knowing too much about his sister's dating success was touching. I come from a family of over-sharers, for context.

[@toomuchinformation]

I thought that it was very funny as well. The anecdote was interesting too, esp the bit about jazz clubs.

[@ballyBe_]

As a therapist I give your name out for people to listen. Amazing stuff! Your amazing. Thank you for all the hard work that goes into this.

[@fredflintstone8998]

I just dipped into the introvert & extrovert part and Andrew Huberman has brilliantly defined me. Seems I'm an introvert who gets lots of dopamine from few social interactions. I knew I was perfectly comfortable with fairly short conversations and now I know why. However, a few months ago I felt strangely lonely sitting on the grass in a public space surrounded by young people (I'm quite old) who I didn't know... yet I think that I would have been perfectly happy if they weren't there! Thank you Professor Huberman - fascinating...

[@thepinata9656]

Exactly what I needed this week!

[@maheshkumarphoton]

Wish there was a way to scientifically understand how some people are completely unaffected after a breakup and move on with life peacefully 😅. Thanks for the amazing pod once again Dr. Huberman!

[@timmagaling]

Thank you so much Dr. Huberman, This is perfect for me. Im excited to see what things I will learn and tools I could use after watching this

[@ericac9634]

Roughly 50% of us were not securely attached to our caregivers, that is, are impaired in our capacity to bond healthily. That's more than a "pathology"; that's half of us! This has huge implications for all aspects of society, from the economy, to mental health, health, education, crime, violence and on and on. It's not as upbeat and fun to address this half, but the focus is crucial if we are to progress as a society.

[@hubermanlab]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@mnmillard]

Good morning class! Another great topic to start my week. Thank you Dr. Huberman.

[@gercius]

Dog ate my homework.

[@Rand22.2]

You are a gift from God! I've been binge eating for a while and didn't link it to my social circles which had been shrieked due to taking a gap year from university... it makes sense now !!! Thank you so much for this information I feel finally relieved 💗💗

[@shukufatahiri302]

Listening to your podcast in itself is therapy - understanding the science in such comprehensive yet understandable way. Grateful 🙏

[@dwiaine]

Thank you for this amazing podcast. Can't wait for your discussion with Allan Schore and Lisa Feldman Barrett.

[@kimjin-hyub3413]

Changing life 🧬 one episode at a time .

[@wendyhilton3839]

Thankyou, I now understand why I'm so upset my husband does not understand how I think nor empathise with my need for social interraction. It's the same with every experience in our relationship. He wants to do everything alone, gardening, reno's, cleaning, where I desperately crave the shared experience in any way. We can focus on externals, kids, sport, movies but this is not at the level needed in a marriage. It has been years and I now see it won't change. Thank you as I realise I have been gaslighted all this time with his dismissing that people "need" shared social interaction as ridiculous. Happy New Year.

[@janorr1111]

Really appreciate your work! You do an amazing job explaining these often times multifaceted topics. Happy Holidays!

[@Dessauvages1]

Thanks for your hard work and for this insightful episode. Sad to hear Costello has passed. RIP Costello. May your team and yourself enjoy the holidays! Looking forward to next year's episodes

[@spencerstephens7594]

The fact that so many different desires load on the same system is incredibly interesting. If you're getting a ton of dopamine from falling in love, you forget your drive for other things. Also, if you are getting constant, massive reward from drugs or on demand stimulating experiences like porn, you will likewise feel very little motivation to do anything else. Now, what I am wondering is how the different drives balance over time. It certainly isn't sustainable to only care about one source of satisfaction across time. The drug user, for example, would enjoy their habit and forget about other motivations in the short term, but over some time would start to feel the rest of their life as miserable and just escape temporarily into that habit. If anyone has any insight here I would much appreciate it.

[@abigailsilvester7739]

Really sorry to hear about Costellos passing. My husband and I both listen and could tell how much he means to you. Another great podcast which makes us feel so engaged and enlightened by the work you and your team put together.

[@yuliiavoinova484]

One of the most informative podcasts ever! I love listening to Dr Huberman’s cheerful voice, information is incredible! Thank you so much! This episode is my favorite. Hope to implement some advices into my future relationship with people.❤️‍🔥🙏🏼

[@eabriar]

You've covered so many brilliant topics. Would you consider covering sober mystical experiences? Obviously it's not a priority as less applicable to every day life. But very interesting. Many thanks.

[@WeTheJourney]

Andrew, thank you very much for this approach, scientific research and your personal/professional view. I would like to ask about the neuroplasticity involved in such kind of isolation events and how we could take advantage of this rather than consider this as a negative impact, of course here I mentioned those who might see it as such and also not denying this fact. Maybe such an event could be seen from a different perspective due to the neurochemical activity, and by rising awareness, one could give people a better support in terms of lifting themselves up rather than waiting until it goes too deep into depression. Thanks and all the best

[@sevinagirgin1156]

Thank you. I truly appreciate your time and effort in producing these podcasts.

[@nataliereid2100]

Hi Andrew. I first heard you speak on a Tim Ferris podcast. I was spellbound. Your information is not only interesting but also accessible. I love the fact that you promote life style upgrades, which do not cost the earth...which is so refreshing. Thank you for the amazing work that you are doing. In a world where we are bombarded with junk science and bad news you are a breath of fresh air!

[@kayas.1782]

Question: since we’re comparing the need for social interaction in introversion and extroversion to hunger, can you train or regulate your social “craving” in a similar way as the need for food during fasting? Or is the amount of dopamine released during a social encounter inbuilt? Thank you for a great episode once again, Dr Huberman!

[@JohnMoseley]

Good question.

[@theblackswordsmanguts]

Inbuilt

[@B-I-G-N-A-S-T-Y]

I understand that neurogenesis is a driver in SSRIs ability to treat depression and has been found to occur in the +200mg range. The SSRIs dominate the receptors blocking the dopamine molecules, they lower your drive for social interaction. Opposite is true with norepinephrine. Being able to naturally build up the receptors via neurogenesis is probably not realistic.

[@kayas.1782]

@@B-I-G-N-A-S-T-Y Fascinating. Thank you for the reply!

[@LuckyMassive]

@@kayas.1782 , you can increase dopamine receptor density and sensitivity through various things such as fasting, caffeine, an herb called forskolin, and sunlight. Remember the brain is very plastic.

[@aliebrahimshaffiee]

Thank you for your great contribution Professor Andrew. Can you do an episode (maybe with a guest) on the neuroscience of belief (e.g. what sort of a state it is and what constitutes it neurologically)? This is an area that some modern-day epistemologists are also interested in. It is an old topic and one that is still discussed today.

[@chiaroscural]

Seconded.

[@progrow6767]

It is an interesting phenomenon that humans delude themselves, believing in invisible beings, gods, and other fictions, but we're wired so that those delusions can create dopamine enhancement and other benefits.

[@CJ-il3vh]

I loved this podcast where science and psychology meet. Thank you Andrew, for another great podcast!

[@annalisaalberto8629]

Aww.. sending love n light to Costello ✨🦴✨

[@bradycraig7867]

Hey Andrew! Thanks for another amazing podcast! I would absolutely love to see Dr Zach Bush come on as a guest, not sure if you can make that happen but it would be incredible to see what comes out of a conversation between the two of you! 🙏🏼 Merry Christmas to you, your family and your team.

[@danpearson3692]

Since 'fixing' my dopamine it is amazing that I can listen to this long form of content and educate myself. Truly fascinating for a young person who does not study these subjects formally. I just wish the rest of my generation could see the light, it is as if most of society is destroying their dopamine system and sinking into a terrible place. I feel the compounding effect of this over time will create a deep divide in society. Thankyou Andrew for this high quality information you are changing lives.

[@mercyshaver5264]

Thank you Dr. Huberman, your timing is impeccable! Happy Holidays 😊

[@chiaroscural]

Instead of staying up until the wee hours of the morning listening to the latest HLP, I’m going to show some restraint and go to bed instead. I’m pretty sure I have the HLP to thank for that!

[@harijeevakumar2218]

Same! I always thought I was a night owl and gave up on being a morning person. But HLP has got me waking up & hitting the gym at 6am!

[@kevindeguzman1062]

This episode came out at a time when I really, really needed it. Thank you Dr. Huberman! Is there a difference between emptiness and loneliness? I feel like there are some days that I feel one, but not the other. Or maybe I just get them confused? What can I do when it feels like I can't connect because no one understands me? Either way, I think the tools in today's episode will help me a lot. Thanks again!

[@TheSafarypearl]

I feel that sometimes

[@barbarafairbanks4578]

Kevin Deguzeman -just keep listening here, and you'll get insight into yourself & your feelings. As for 'can't connect bc no one understands me' - I've felt that too. But here, what we need to realize is that by repeating this negative statement, "No one understands me", we are perpetuating that (possibly completely untrue statement), and making ourselves feel even more lonely & empty & separate. Also, these 'feelings' when they pop up last only seconds. Realize that they pass quickly, and could also be lies you are in the habit of telling yourself. I realize this is 'true' in your POV, but is it, really? Is it objectively true? (I don't know you, but I seriously doubt it is true). AND...say it were somehow objectively true - 'No one understands Kevin'... Well, So WHAT? How would this, if it were objectively true, make you anything 'less'. It may make you FEEL 'less than', but it doesn't at all make you 'less than.' It just makes you 'different', if it IS somehow objectively true (which btw may be a very good thing, lol)😆 I get the feeling that this idea, for you, 'No one understands me' - could be feeding feelings of inferiority in you?...which leads even more to feeling 'separate' and unable to connect. So, cut that out! 😆 Some of the greatest people throughout history have been majorly 'misunderdtood' by others in their life - Jesus; Ghandi; Ben Franklin; Jonas Salk; Einstein; Harriet Tubman; Rosa Parks; Martin Luther King, Jr....the list goes on. You may be in very good company, Kevin, IF, indeed you are truly 'misunderstood' Lol. I would say...to overcome these feelings of emptiness (which I have also experienced), get to know yourself! Learn to be your own best friend. You can learn more about yourself with meditation...continuing to watch Huberman podcasts(!) & from your reading content. I have also been helped to learn more about myself quite a bit by reading the Stoics, like Marcus Aurelius; Seneca; Epectitus. These book - by Ryan Holiday 'The Obstacle is The Way', and 'The Daily Stoic' (and others by Holiday) are very helpful in learning to learn more about yourself. These books have been helpful for me, and also following Huberman's podcast - AND developing a solid morning routine of 'daily habits' I have established for myself- one by one (starting with ONE daily (beneficial) 'morning habit' then building on it, by 'stacking' others on - to establish a solid morning routine & structure my day. One book that helped me alot is James Clear's 'Atomic Habits', also Ryder Caroll's book 'The Bullet Journal Method' has been extremely helpful for me to learn Journaling & add structure to my life. (journaling your thoughts goals & intentions & structuring your days & your life, does away, IMO, with feelings of emptiness, and helps us to learn more about ourselves. I can assure you, that by following these practices...whoosh! your feelings of emptiness , and even loneliness (to some extent) can be dispensed with. Hope this helps!😊

[@aja363]

@@barbarafairbanks4578 wow!👏 this is such a solid response/advice!!👍

[@peripheralparadox4218]

You’re right. No one understands you, and no one ever will. We don’t understand ourselves - that’s why we’re here listening to Prof. Huberman. We understand some parts of ourselves, and misunderstand others. Same goes for other people. It’s like we’re all little spheres letting in light and reflecting it. Your mother sees you differently from your lover, and everyone else! And you see yourself differently from how you saw yourself when you were a kid, and that will change again. But I understand what you mean, and in that respect we understand each other. So I understand a part of you even though I’ve never met you. That’s pretty profound in and of itself. I feel the same way, although perhaps for different reasons. At least for me, I think that the problem isn’t so much other people not understanding me, but rather me not sharing myself with other people - with authentic confidence and good mood. If you’re not happy with yourself, or you think you’re inadequate, then you are generally not going to want to share yourself with others - and they will not understand you. And despite what all the pro vulnerability people say - there is wisdom in not alway sharing your inadequacies or shadow side, especially if you’re a man. So it would seem the best solution would be to address the thoughts/feelings/perceptions/ behaviours that are less than optimal, then you can confidently and authentically share yourself with others - without any shame or fear. I live in a tent in the bush, drive buses for a living and have zero social life. I haven’t pursued my passions, I feel worthless and unlovable. So I self-sabotage even further by isolating myself. Didn’t even need covid for that. I feel that others don’t understand me. I feel I don’t even understand myself (although there are some certainties and understanding). But at least we share some understanding! Wishing you a light journey mate.

[@kevindeguzman1062]

@@peripheralparadox4218 Great points here. "we don't ever truly understand how others feel, and sometimes we don't even understand how we feel" is a quote from the podcast I need to remind myself of a lot more. I especially like your point about "wisdom in not sharing your vulnerabilities". I haven't thought about that viewpoint so much. Thank you for your insight and kind words, and I'm also glad to share some understanding with you. Cheers~

[@marillavanbeuren8572]

By far another superior lecture from Dr Huberman. Also so timely due to the peculiar restrictions in social contact resulting from covid. After several listenings its verges on the "new normal" aspects of our future in these unsettled times,

[@laura7visionmission]

We are extremely Blessed to be a part of this tribe. Learning growing understanding neuroscience and science from one the best of the best. Profesor Huberman!! Seriously I have learn more from Monday’s Lessons in 2021 than my entire life. I feel pretty amazing 🤩 The best is yet to come!!!! Do your part peeps knowledge with out action is garbage.

[@_negentropy_]

I’m eternally grateful I need very very little social interaction to feel sated. My friends are scattered around the world. I’m no longer on social media (and much healthier for it). The Buss episode killed and buried any dwindling desire I had left for a romantic relationship, and in case it wasn’t dead enough, his book dug it back up and set fire to it. I do have strong, beautiful bonds with my kids but I’d like to avoid a Grey Gardens part deux, so that leaves me with my trusty lunch. Steal my lunch, I’ll kick your shins.

[@davyroger3773]

Why? Buss should encourage you to increase your mate value!

[@_negentropy_]

@@davyroger3773 😂😂😂 nothing to do with my mate value. Everything to do with how diabolically shallow and abusive cis-het men can be (in effect plummeting their mate value). All Buss (and Huberman by endorsement) did was give men permission to be this way and leave it up to women to select better. I’m selecting better by not selecting at all. Never been happier.

[@davyroger3773]

@@_negentropy_ Idk what a cis hed man is but I dont think Buss is advocating for anything other than taking the findings and theories of E.P seriously. Remember the is ought fallacy; just because the data points to something being the case does not mean it should be that way or justify it at all. After all nature and her processes are amoral and at times rather nasty.

[@_negentropy_]

@@davyroger3773 I hear you. My post is mostly tongue-in-cheek. I think there is tremendous value in the question “what is the adaptive value of ___?” But E.P. struggles to acknowledge the vast heterogeneity of human beings. When their theories include some consideration for how incredibly complex and nuanced humans are, or the infinite variability of life and situational circumstances, schemas, heuristics, epigenetics, environment, conditioning, etc. that account for any act of behaviour, including mate-value preference, I’d be happy to take their theories seriously. Good luck out there.Take care.

[@memastarful]

Merry Christmas Andrew and team 🌟🕊🌟🕊🌟🕊 Happy holidays everyone 😊

[@emmanuelguillermo3013]

Brilliant channel, Andrew. I've been binge watching your channel this last month. Life changing information, thank you.

[@HampsteadO]

Every episode is a delight. Thanks a million for all you do for us.

[@clanwellness5295]

Great episode again! I have a question- you talked a lot about the circuits in the brain in relation to the release of oxytocin. But going back to how hearts can entrain each other and heart rate variability start to match, what’s the impact of the heart as an endocrine gland and the release of oxytocin? I read in HeartMath literature that the heart releases oxytocin to the same levels as the brain.

[@pyore2614]

Hey, thanks for releasing this. I feel like an alien, and I have very little social relationships. The ones I do have feel superficial, but I am still grateful for them. So yeah, it's great to have this man break it down in a dry, intellectual way. I like it like that. Let's hear it, sir.

[@allangraham3649]

Big thanks to you and all involved in producing these as always !

[@Drewster10299]

Another phenomenal and incredibly informative podcast. Thank you for continuing to publish such accessible information relating to our own neuroscience!

[@mickeyvobros2184]

Thanks for the content / Keep up the good work - Do you have any episodes on dealing with breakups? Or how to deal with a partner falling out of love? Going through some tough times right now / trying to make sense of where things went wrong / how to fix them..

[@Frost-tb9qs]

Hope you are doing well! This is hard to go through and especially feeling helpless while your partner is 1 foot out the door

[@tomaszsosnowski9279]

If you want to connect, train in a gym together. Do a leg day together. Especially if both of you are athletic already or have some talent and drive. Alternate sets on leg press, count each other reps. Challenge each other. Feel each other’s body heat, breathing, sweat.

[@latinaalma1947]

Yes...I did this ie worked out at an all male gym with my mate to develop my upper body strength for sailing. A serious gym I would never have entered without him...I was 33 he was 38...it helped develop our bond as a couple...REALLY...40 yrs later and still very happily together...we no longer work out but my lats and arms improved dramatically enabling us to sail recreationally together throughout our relationship including the Caribbean in early retirement together for ten years...that gym work just strengthened the bond the we developing...so YES to that! And the more interests you share the stronger the bond becomes too...

[@BetterBedtimeStories]

Every time I think the previous episode was the best so far, you raise the bar! Fascinating

[@user-xu4jt5uw8x]

This was the most dense podcast I have ever listened. Thank you!

[@monode8874]

This made me think about stoicism - could a stoic outlook on life make it harder to bond with people through less shared physiological syncing?

[@davyroger3773]

What do you mean by stoicism?

[@prestonallen835]

Hi Dr. Huberman, I would love to hear a podcast on neuropathic pain and its various treatments. Its an area that can be difficult to find answers in. Thanks for all the great content, I listen weekly on spotify!

[@mariagruiz1457]

Once more, precious information provided. Thank you Andrew from the bottom of my heart!!

[@hono50]

Densely packed, high quality, actually actionable. Love your work.

[@matthewverich9120]

The information that Dr. Huberman shares in these videos is super fascinating to me and I’m planning on majoring in neuroscience. Does anybody have any tips as to how to internalize the information in these videos?

[@michaelslattery513]

I believe the good doctor covered that in another episode and would say to do nothing but quietly mediate 10 minutes immediately after the episode and just allow your brain to let it sink in.

[@giraffecolor5681]

Question: if "bad" social interaction is the only kind I have access to, am I better of to deal with the distress of loneliness, or to engage in the bad social interaction and deal with the distress of the bad interaction? Does it depend on the amount of distress each would incur?

[@fitnesssoup7553]

This seems to be increasingly problematic issue for many. On the one hand we desire to connect. On the other there’s conflicting issues associated with it. I think a lot of it’s associated with the dissonance we experience along with how technology is affecting our social skills. There’s other contributors specific to the individual. Anyway, I feel similar and can relate with what you’re saying. I enjoy intellectual discussions such as this, collaboration and discovery involving open mindedness. There’s lots of agendas today, political conflict and a number of other things that are very disruptive. We want to reach out and socialize, do and then end up retreating in cycles. I don’t know if that’s the way you feel. We are learning more all the time too. The more we know, the natural consequence is increasingly subjecting oneself to confronting ignorances. Then, just give me some space for myself so that I can experience peace! It’s a struggle because we want both. To experience connections while experiencing contentment. That’s difficult to achieve.