We are biologically wired for connection — it’s not optional, it’s essential.

Key Systems:

• Oxytocin: “Bonding hormone,” released during eye contact, touch, shared emotion.
• Mirror neurons: Help us feel empathy and attune to others.
• Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges): The vagus nerve helps us feel safe or unsafe depending on social cues. “Neuroception” is our unconscious scanning of threat or safety in others’ faces, tone, and presence.

When we feel seen, heard, and valued, our nervous system relaxes, and our brains become capable of higher functioning: empathy, logic, curiosity, and joy.