With an earth population of 7.6 billion people and growing, the challenge of uplifting humanity seems to be increasingly more difficult. Ideas and opinions about how to reach out to others are often lost when considering the ever-widening circle.  We know our family and community, possibly our neighborhood and maybe our city, but expanding this concept nationwide or worldwide is a task we cannot easily comprehend.

The goal of uplifting humanity usually becomes a religious or political concept because we think one person alone can’t do much. Yet, leaving it up to religious or political leaders can lead to feeling even more powerless.

When you look at what people value most, you discover it’s always personal. From 2010 to 2014, the World Values Survey asked residents from 52 countries how important they consider family, friends, leisure time, politics, work, and religion. Not surprisingly, all countries but one (Lebanon) considered family the most important thing in life. Friendship and leisure time rated next highest in what people care about most.

Closer to home, in the US, health came up as the number one thing people consider most important, while family came in second.

However, there is one thing that showed in every survey and underpinned every outcome as the most important thing in life, and that was in response to the question “How you feel about yourself?” It turns out that feeling positive about one’s self is important to everyone.

This does not just mean “feeling good” but has everything to do with self-confidence and being self-assured in such a way that you know (or at least have some idea of) where you’re going. And, for a lot of people, this also means taking care of yourself and your health, including dental care, because when you feel confident about yourself, you can spread an awful lot of confidence and care to other people.

“I have found that by restoring healthy teeth and gums, our practice helps restore people’s confidence and wellbeing which, in turn, makes them better and happier people,” says Dr. Gashinsky. “And that’s our contribution to uplifting humanity from our own corner. I think it’s important for people to know that they are not alone - if all of us support the happiness of other people, each in our own way, this world will definitely be a better place!”

Each of us has a part to play in uplifting humanity. When we choose natural, holistic care and practices that also support the environment, it helps set an example of caring that feeds us on all levels—from the single individual to the community, and ultimately to improving the well-being of millions.

Holistic Dental Center located at 91 Millburn Avenue, in Milburn. For more information, call 973-457-4688 or visit HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com.