Conatus: THIRD EDITION by Tom Wallace - HTML preview

C O N A T U S

disciplines in science. Things almost become respectable again!

But — perhaps more to the point — what’s this mind-body-way of being idea telling us about the way we live our lives? Well, nothing so very mysterious, I’d hazard. Just simple things that we’ve kind of always known. Body and mind are deeply connected — that’s one thing. The body — and especially the heart — has a much deeper perception of what’s really going on than the mind. But then, a mind that is troubled by regrets, shame, abuse and depression can have a deadening and hazardous impact on the body. Where we live and who we live with has a huge impact on both mind and body — and especially whether or not we live amidst — or have easy access to — wild nature. What a benefit it is to health and happiness to have nature at our door! So the relations we have with those around us and with our immediate physical surroundings — by way of family, friends, work, education and play — have an enormous impact on our mental and physical well-being. If we find ourselves powerless, in one way or another, with regard to these things, then we are diminished as people. If, by contrast, we are empowered to act with generosity, compassion and creativity in our relationships and our work — and see this reflected in our physical surroundings — then we are built up in every respect.

Well, all of this seems just simple and obvious. I’d hazard to suggest that the more we learn of biology, psychology, sociology, ecology and neuroscience then the more these simple truths will be backed up by science.

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