15: Rooted in Connection: How trees can teach humans to build stronger connections

The other day, my husband and I were looking at the impact of a recent heat wave on the trees near our property. Some trees were doing okay, others were dying. Why? We consider access to resources, the type of tree, the amount of shade, but ultimately, I think it comes down to the connection between trees -- whether they're all alone in a field or in relationship with others.

Just as trees thrive in connected communities, so do we as humans. The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that connectedness is key to health and happiness. There's lots of other data as well from workplaces and neighborhoods. In this episode, I’ll share practical strategies for deepening your relationships and building a supportive network, both at work and in your personal life. Join me to explore how nurturing our social ecosystems can make a real difference.

Resources:

• Consider joining my Leadership circle and find connection of your own: https://www.irenesalter.com/leadership-circle
• Read all about the Harvard Study of Adult Development: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/
• A National Geographic article with new developments on plant communication: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/plants-can-talk-yes-really-heres-how
• A lovely in depth article in Smithsonian on how trees communicate: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/
• Suzanne Simard’s TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other/up-next?subtitle=en
• Gallup Q12 has a lovely explanation for the best friend at work question in their survey: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/397058/increasing-importance-best-friend-work.aspx
• Read Richard Sampson’s book, The Great American City for more on the importance of social cohesion in neighborhoods: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/G/bo5514383.html
• Check out Episode 4 where I talk about collective effervescence: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast

For complete show notes, transcript, and free downloadable resources go to: https://www.irenesalter.com/podcast