When I think of evolution, I usually think: “Survival of the Fittest.” I guess I accepted, with the help of my 9th grade bio class, that nature chooses the most aggressive, most cleverly adaptable traits to further a species.This could mean a better beak for opening seeds, like Darwin’s finches, or a fierce strain of bacteria that resists antibiotics. In modern lexicon it seems we’ve taken the premise of natural selection to promote certain aggressive social behaviors. I mean, how many times have we heard “Only the Strong Survive” or “To Get to the Top, You Must Step on the Backs of Others.” In its extreme form, modern interpretation of Darwin’s ideas have become the foundation for destroying whole swaths of humanity. With that said, I was surprised and relieved to find an article in the Shambala Sun about Darwin’s less well-known evolutionary findings. It turns out that Darwin found natural selection to favor the evolution of compassion. Yes, really, compassion. He observed that animal communities with the “greatest number of the most sympathetic members, would flourish best, and rear the greatest number of offspring.” I’m certainly no Darwin, but everyday I see the positive effects of human connection, kindness, and open-heartedness on the body’s ability to adapt to life’s challenges. On the other hand, I also see the how anger, resentment and self-loathing create enough internal stress to compromise the immune system. When we can find compassion for ourselves or others we encourage an happier environment internally and externally, and thus a greater ability to survive and thrive. With Darwin in mind I leave you with these few questions: Where can you become softer in your judgment? How can you promote kindness each and every day? What can you do to forgive yourself and others?
