We, humans, mark our homes with fences, painted walls, and giant gates, to indicate that the power resides with them in that territory. Not only humans, but other species also behave the same way, be it as mighty as a lion or as minuscule as an ant. They all create the boundary to exclude the other species from their area, with a sense of pride and security. To defend themselves, they can also resort to the threat of aggression to the outside species. Birds also create similar boundaries through sounds such as bird songs. These boundaries permit them their personal space and a sense of belonging.
These territories are also associated with social status, the bigger the territory size, the bigger would be the social status.
This is not limited only to exteriors, but we also create walls or boundaries in relationships. Some fall in the inner circle of the boundary and some outside. We subconsciously distance ourselves from some people and form a group we can relate to. Whether you are in a college campus or an office workplace, this is a common phenomenon.
We lose the habit of sharing with other people; due to the possessive nature we develop for our own territory. We lose out on gathering new practices what other humans are dwelling into. We lose out on the opportunity of broadening our horizon, just as the saying goes “The frog in the well knows nothing of the sea.”
Humans are territorial and people who try to invade the territory, are often resisted. We have developed this habit from our ancestors, right from the Stone age. And molding against this habit to an extent would take a lot of time.
We consciously need to make an effort. Welcome new people with open arms. Welcome new ideas with an open mind. Break the boundaries be it in our minds and heart.
