Social Networking

The fourth and final component of the FOTEO program that is central to the FOTEOR Academy is the represented by the limbs of the body. In summary, the head is represented by the brain; the chest by the heart, the abdomen by the gut; and the now the limbs are representative of relatinships to self; others; a higher power; the environment; and time: past, present and future.

So the first three components are in essence about the physical and psychological systems of the individual; on the contrary the limbs (which includes the sexual reproductive system) is about connection of at least two entities, beyond the boby of the individual. As much as disturbance of relationships causes illnesses; so healthy relationships with self- a strong robust self-esteem, or just the ability and ease to live with oneself; or a long term intimate relationship with a partner; and healthy interdependent dynamics of trust and respect with children and siblings, community and co-workers are factors that predispose to optimal health.

Networking is a key idea - the formation and sustenance of a net of relationships - as our brain is hard wired for such social phenomena.

But connection with a Higher Power is a stabilising force of the whole system that gives the vital psychological need of meaning and purpose. It is a very difficult terrain of the human condition primararly becasue of the power (or powerless) of faith, the deep belief that cannot be proven by any scientific method. Also, many have been let down by the structured response to such a need, as in organised religion.

More recently, stimulated by the observation of so many patients who are stuck in the past, or the future , or simply cannot hold the present moment, is the relatonship to time. This discussion I leave open now, and will return frequently in future blogs.

So the idea for the day is to reflect on all the types of relationships we living beings are connected to and how possible to improve what is good, and eradicate or simply just try to manage what is/are bad!