Whether you are observing your neighbors, friends, families, or the media, you are undoubtedly aware that we are seeing a massive rise in tribalism across the political spectrum. Each of us as individuals and as groups has an Emotional Source Code, and biologically, humans crave belonging to those who align with their Emotional Source Code, fostering a deeper personal awareness. Our primordial DNA tells us that we must have a tribe to survive. This tribalism is at the root of all radical separation and constant cultural clashes we encounter. However, when we take the time to understand the Emotional Source Code of the group or individual, we can develop empathy, personal awareness, and compassion; this can, in turn, facilitate a unifying meaning.

A sense of belonging is one of humanity’s most potent driving forces. In the absence of belonging, we will trade “belonging” for the poor substitute of “fitting in.”

In belonging, we gain the strength and certainty to nurture our most authentic and magnificent selves to come to fruition through increased personal awareness. We are free to explore not only more of who we are but also more of who we can be.