We live in a high-pressure, high-stress society. In Japan, the symptoms of extreme levels of stress are seen in the "death from overwork" syndrome and a tragically high suicide rate. Vicious bullying among children is likewise a reflec- tion of this stress.

Martin Seligman, renowned for his research into the psychology of hope, expresses his concern about what he calls "big I and small we" -- a distended self-centered-ness and an increasingly attenuated sense of connection with others. It seems clear this tendency must be confronted if we are to prevent our lives from growing even more stressful.

In the past, human society provided encouragement and opportunity for people to extend support to each other, especially in highly stressful situations. Regrettably, many of the networks that supported us have been weakened or undermined. Faced with stress, too many people feel they have nowhere to turn to, that they don't have access to the kind of friendships or communities where they can easily and openly share their problems and worries.