The Commonality of Humanity; The things that make us one (7) – Bonding!


Think about the relationship of a mother with her newborn child. Think about the unity of a sport team. Think about the care a man shows for his beloved pet. There is a common theme in these scenarios: bonding. Wikipedia.org (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_bonding) describes bonding as ‘the process of attachment that develops between romantic partners, close friends, parents and children.’ It also defines the term human bonding as ‘the process of development of a close, interpersonal relationship.’ The bond we develop with fellow human and lower animals is a universal experience and it is one thing that makes us one.

One of the strongest bonds is that of the maternal bond i.e. the bond between a mother and her baby. Every mother has the innate ability to form a special kind of relationship with her new born baby. The Wikipedia article cited above mentioned some of the factors responsible for maternal bonding. One of which is the hormone oxytocin. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the mother’s body releases oxytocin. While oxytocin helps in the contraction of the uterus during labour and in the secretion of milk in breastfeeding, it also lessens anxiety and enhances mother-child bonding. Breastfeeding, especially early initiation of breastfeeding, plays a great role in maternal bonding. While breastfeeding, the mother touches the child, the child suckles on the breast, and they stare at one and another (mutual gazing); all of these, with the release of oxytocin, promote bonding. These processes occur in all mothers caring for their newborn babies, irrespective of the colour, race, religion and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Bonding also occurs among intimate couples, parents and children, classmates, teammates, and amongst members of a close group of people. When individuals from diverse socioeconomic, religious, racial and otherwise backgrounds come together for a common course at a sufficient period of time, a bond naturally develops amongst them. This bond keeps them together through all kinds of circumstances. We all have the ability to form a close bond with another human being with whom we share a common interest and goal. That is how we were made. How do you feel when you come across an old schoolmate? Are you surprised that you are overwhelmed with feelings of friendship and nostalgia? Don’t be, you both share a common bond.

Humans can also form strong bonds with lower animals. This is especially seen between a man and his domesticated pet. Examples of such pets are dogs, cats, birds and others. This bond can help to reduce anxiety and stress in the owner of the pet. The Wikipedia article above mentions instances where mentally ill patients were allowed to bond with animals as part of their treatment plans. In this era of increasing social isolation because of use of electronic gadgets like laptops, smartphones, and cable TVs, more and more persons find solace in having an animal pet in the house. While the need for human contact is imperative, human-animal bonding has helped a great deal. How often we hear of pets saving the lives of their owner by attracting attention or guiding their owners from the path of harm.

Have you seen a newborn baby suckling and gazing at the eyes of the mother? How do you feel as you share in that moment of mother-child bonding? How does it feel to be part of the product of excellent craftsmanship? Don’t you wonder at the One who made all of such delights possible? While some may argue that bonding supports evolutionary theories, I believe that it rather supports One Creatorship. We, man and lower animals, were created by one Mind and by one Thought in a one God, and we thus share a common bond. Scientifically inclined persons seek for complex explanations for such phenomenon as bonding. Theories abound! Yet, mankind seeks a bond with a higher being. In every corner of this earth, there is one form of religious worship or another. We want to be connected to a higher power. Just like a baby seeks to bond with the mother, we seek to bond with the one who brought us forth. Just like children of the same parents often share a common bond, we seek to bond with one another. We were created and so we bond. Yes, it’s that simple!


©Dr Eugene’s Column (http://dreugeneojirigho.blogspot.com/)

©Dr Eugene’s Blogs (http://dreugeneoji.blogspot.com/)

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