It is important for us to feel connected and to feel that we belong somewhere. A strong connection with ourselves, other people and nature helps bring balance to life. A sense of belonging is essential, as feeling disconnected is not good for us. By contrast, experiencing a sense of belonging supports well-being and helps us flourish: it gives life meaning, broadens the circle of care and makes us more aware of our own ability to make a difference.
A meaningful relationship with the world is life-centred, not individual-centred. Reality is a whole made up of interconnected elements, involving connection, belonging and participation. A life-centred attitude might be described roughly as follows: “I am here for the world.” It involves a worldview based on relationships, systems thinking and interconnectedness, as well as a sense of meaning and altruism. By contrast, an individual-centred attitude is characterised by detachment, isolation and a focus on egoism and personal gratification. It sees things as separate and disconnected, whereas the ability to imagine oneself in another person’s position is a key to progress. It forms a foundation for morality, a starting point for renewal and a source of meaning.
Developments in recent years have led to increasing individualism, intensifying competition, a stronger emphasis on performance and a fragmentation of everyday life. These trends have contributed to growing feelings of inadequacy, meaninglessness and worthlessness. It has even been said that poverty is having no connection with people with whom to share life’s joys and sorrows. Belonging to a community that offers opportunities to experience appreciation and respect, competence and capability, self-transcendence and wholehearted engagement, connection and belonging, as well as a sense of elevation and wonder at life, builds and strengthens resilience and empowers people. These are the things that enable us to flourish.
The work of the future could encompass everything that helps us solve societal and planetary challenges. Work could include paid employment, entrepreneurship and voluntary work. Skills needed in working life could include creative, analytical and systems thinking, as well as curiosity and the ability to learn new things. The whole would consist of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, beliefs and our worldview. Perhaps we would no longer need to work simply to keep the economy growing, as we do today.
How could experts by experience be involved in the transformation of working life – perhaps by helping to change attitudes and make working life more humane? Could our example help to dismantle stigma?
Source: Arto O. Salonen’s webinar, spring 2026
