Connection is one of the most basic human needs. We are designed to bond to our caregiver from a very early age. Throughout life we form new connections and strengthen existing ones. Hand in Hand exists to offer and broaden connections for those individuals and families who are feeling isolated and unsupported.
In 1949 a remarkable discovery was made in a research lab in Italy. Researchers were studying a monkey with probes analyzing individual neurons in its brain. They had been tracking one neuron in particular that would fire whenever the monkey would lift its arm. One day, they noticed the neuron was firing even though the monkey was not raising its arm. They observed that the monkey was eagerly watching a lab assistant eating a gelato. Each time the assistant took a lick, the neuron ignited. This discovery led to the concept of “mirror neurons.” The monkey’s brain was firing not because of his own actions, but the actions of another. As scientists have explored this phenomenon, they realized that our brains are peppered with these cells, whose sole purpose is to connect and learn through interaction with others.
Hand in Hand brings people together to gain support and learn from one another. Understanding the principle of mirror neurons gives hope that as mentees associate and interact in healthy, stable relationships, they are more able to replicate the examples and patterns they observe in their mentors. When a mentee observes a mentor handling situations in a healthy way, the mentee’s brain forms a pathway for managing similar situations. The process of significant change may be long-term, but we now understand that even if immediate change is not visible, positive actions are being observed and internalized, making change more likely. This principle also works in a negative direction, where negative actions are observed and mirrored throughout life.
The beauty of Hand in Hand is that those raised in environments of poor choices, and who may have duplicated those poor choices in their own lives, don’t have to continue down that path. They can regularly interact and connect with a mentor who can help them learn and mimic positive behavior.
As mentors, find hope in being a steady example to your mentees and know that you are aiding in the process and unfolding of life changes.