"Our sense of self becomes defined by the contingent ways in which we connect with others"

On brain research:

"Our sense of self becomes defined by the contingent ways in which we connect with others. Our brains are structured to be connected to other brains. Collaborative communication involves the spontaneous connection of each side of the brain to that of the other person as we share signals in both the verbal (left) and nonverbal (right) domains. This dance of communication not only enables us to feel close and connected to others but also allows our minds to feel coherent and in balance. Our sense of "I" is profoundly influenced by how we belong to a 'we.'"

( I am using the italics here for my own emphasis and we could use the word "me" as well as the word "I". )

Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell, M.ED. Pages 88-89

sent to us courtesy of Magdalena Cabrera, funscout

see also Fred Branfman's interview with Dr. Siegel in Salon


from Bernie DeKoven, funsmith