As we continue to learn more about Flourishing Together, it’s important to remember the natural synthesis between the domains.

Flourishing Domains

Flourishing is a relative state of “holistic health” where an individual has an overall sense of wellbeing. For study and understanding, it’s helpful to distinguish between the domains. In actual living, they’re profoundly interconnected.

• Happiness and Life Satisfaction
• Mental and Physical Health
• Meaning and Purpose
• Character and Virtue
• Close Social Relationships
• Financial and Material Stability

There’s a reciprocal relationship between the 6 domains. Improvement in one area can and should enhance the other areas. Ideally, we want to thrive in all of them.

Close Social Relationships

The domain we’re currently exploring is close social relationships. Social connection is a fundamental human need. Studies have consistently shown the powerful impact of good friendships on health and happiness.

Perhaps a less obvious connection is the effect of character and virtue on those relationships. We’ve previously discussed how virtuous behavior improves quality of life. Good character increases flourishing. That’s the concept of eudaimonia. But how does virtue nurture relationship?

Think about it this way. The “7 Deadly Sins” – pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, sloth – are unhealthy and destructive largely because they’re selfish. The common toxic thread running through them is “ME!”

In sharp contrast, virtue is other-focused. It looks to serve, rather than be served. Consider the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Virtue puts “me” in the right place.

Paul J. Zak just released The Little Book of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Living Better. He summarizes extensive research to conclude: “at least half of your happiness comes from having a rich social network – a close group of people who truly care about you.”

Invest In One Another

Not surprisingly, those who serve others have the best relationships. They are happier, live longer, and have greater life satisfaction. That means one of the most important things we can do is invest in relationships!

In his book, Zak explains the biology behind the scientific conclusion that just 6 high-value experiences a day will increase your happiness. These are moments of significant social and emotional engagement (positive or negative) that boost energy and connection through the release of dopamine and oxytocin.

For 95% of the population, when oxytocin is released by the brain, people are more kind, generous, compassionate, and caring. This results in greater trust and trustworthiness, which are essential for healthy relationships (and thus flourishing).

Zak also connects this to financial and material stability. On a societal scale, countries with low levels of trustworthiness tend to be poorer. Countries with high levels of trustworthiness tend to be prosperous. In a climate of trust, more economic transactions occur, and more wealth is created, alleviating poverty.

Trust isn’t a feeling.

It’s a series of behaviors. Trust is demonstrated and trustworthiness is proven through acts of risk and vulnerability. Trust involves consistency and reliability. It requires active listening and positive reinforcement. It includes mutual respect and regular exchange.

What is one action you can take today to invest in a relationship or initiate a high-value experience with someone? Ask God to help you have flourishing relationships!