Physically close, mentally far; physically far, mentally close.

December 01, 2023  •  Leave a Comment

The quality of a relationship can be determined by the overall strength of the mental connection.


“Physically close, mentally far; physically far, mentally close” is a philosophical concept that reflects a paradoxical aspect of human relationships. We can be physically close to others, but still feel mentally distant. Conversely, we may be physically distanced, but still feel mentally close.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development (the Grant/Glueck Study) started in 1938 with 724 men, and women added in later, has been ongoing for 80 years. Key findings of this study were the following:
(a) Relationships are key to happiness and well-being
(b) Mental and physical health are synergistically in twined
(c) Stress management is essential for long term health and wellness
(d) Gratitude is also a key component to living a longer and happier life
(e) No one size fits all” approach, as everyone’s situation is somewhat unique from another

Human relationships are often quite complex, nudging us to recognize the multi-dimensional nature of closeness and connection beyond the limitations of physical space. Further contemplation on this might bring us to a deeper understanding and appreciation for those in our lives.

  1. Proximity:
    • Being physical next to or in close proximity to another, does not necessarily guarantee emotional or intellectual connection. Individuals can be physically close as in the same room, office, vehicle, or sharing the same space, while being distant in their own thoughts, emotions, and deeper understanding of one another.
  2. The Nature of Connection:
    • Authentic connections transcend physical presence. Mental closeness consists of a deeper understanding that can exist regardless of physical distance, focusing upon the importance of not only emotional but also intellectual connections in relationships.
  3. Communication and Understanding:
    • Open and truthful communication and mutual understanding are imperative for genuine closeness. Physical proximity by itself cannot make up for a lack of communication or comprehend of another’s perspectives.
  4. Technology:
    • Recent advancements in technology have increased the options to stay in touch while being physically far apart. Smartphones, computers and other electronic communication tools have enabled more people to be able to maintain relationships across vast distances, demonstrating the ever changing nature of relationships in our world.
  5. Existential Reflection:
    • Our minds are not bound by mere physical constraints as we can transcend the limitations of space if we desire to do so with our relationships.
  6. Emotional Distance:
    • Physical closeness can be seen as a reflection of our geographical location. Mental distance can be a result of emotional barriers. People may find themselves physically close to other, while emotionally distant due to differences of values, morals, opinions, unresolved conflicts, or emotional walls.
  7. Authentic Connections:
    • Authenticity in relationships requires a deeper understanding of shared values, principles, and emotional empathy for meaningful connections.
  8. Temporal Evolution:
    • Relationships most often change and evolve over time. Physical closeness that once nurtured mental proximity can change, where physical distance coexists with either a stronger or weaker mental connection.
    • Physical distance can actually strengthen relationships, because it may cause people to miss and appreciate each other more giving people time to reflect on their relationship and grow closer.

If people strive to have a strong emotional bond where they feel they are supported and deeply understood by each other, their relationship will be strong regardless of the physical proximity between them.

__________________

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, stress management, qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage, and Daoyin (yoga). I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119


Comments

No comments posted.
Loading...

If you enjoy reading my blog, please consider sharing on your social media.
Subscribe
RSS
Archive
January February March April May June July (1) August (3) September (15) October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February (1) March (1) April May June July August (1) September October (1) November December
January (1) February (2) March April May June July August September October November December (6)
January (9) February (8) March (4) April (2) May (3) June (3) July August September October November December