Reflect

When we sing together in large groups, sway in time at a concert, participate in a community ritual, or even do the wave at a sporting event, there’s a good chance of experiencing what sociologist Émile Durkheim called “collective effervescence.” It’s the feeling of transcending the individual self and tapping into a sense of unity and connection with others, a kind of shared exultation and awe. You might get goosebumps or tears in your eyes, and it’s likely that your heart rate and breathing pattern will sync up with those around you. While this has survival benefits, it’s also rather magical. We can attend a moving religious ceremony, a stunning concert, or an exciting baseball game and have a chance of tapping into this transcendent experience that takes us out beyond ourselves and into a sense of profound connection, compassion, and belonging.