Meditate Awake

Have you heard of the vagus nerve? And did you know that it plays an important role in our ability to connect with other people? The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the human body’s autonomic nervous system. We’ve known for a long time that it influences the function of the body’s vital organs. But in recent years, intriguing new research has shown that this nerve also has an impact on human connection. In a report published in the journal Psychological Science, researchers explain that the physiological activation of the vagus nerve is associated with compassion. Even a brief touch from another person can interact with the nerve to trigger a positive, compassionate response. So the way you interact on a physical level with those close to you can change the emotional relationship you have with one another. It's all about touch.