Survival of the Kindest: The Science of Cellular Cooperation

You’re made of more than 37 trillion cells. That’s 37 trillion tiny individuals inside you—talking, listening, helping, and keeping things running smoothly. It’s truly astonishing when you think about it!

I just came out of a four-day intensive training in glial cells, and wow, my mind is blown. For years, scientists thought glia were just filler for the “real” brain cells, the neurons. 

Turns out that couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are just as many glial cells as neurons, and they’re the quiet heroes of your nervous system. 

They feed and protect your neurons, clean up after them, repair what’s damaged, and even form the glymphatic system—the one that washes your brain while you sleep.

Here’s another part I love: scientists only discovered this in the 1990s, when bioluminescence from jellyfish helped them see glial cells in action under a microscope. A jellyfish illuminating how your brain cells operate - now that’s cooperation.

It’s a perfect reminder that life doesn’t thrive on competition; it thrives on connection.

Trees share nutrients and water through underground mycelial networks, feeding weaker trees so the forest can thrive. Hawks in northern Europe stand on humongous anthills so the biting, poisonous ants can eat the mites off their feathers (free pest control!). 

Even lions, those symbols of fierce survival, often lie near antelope herds in calm companionship when they’re not hunting.

Everywhere you look, life is teaming up.

That old “survival of the fittest” story? Even Darwin himself began to doubt it before he died. Nature isn’t trying to outdo herself; she’s designed to cooperate.

Your body knows this truth. Every moment, your cells are working together, cleansing, nourishing, rebuilding, and sending signals faster than you can blink. All of it happening quietly inside you, on your behalf.

When you start to notice how much unseen care and coordination is happening for you, it becomes obvious that you’re not doing this life alone. And, of course, you never were.

Here’s a 3-minute tiny but mighty practice to tune into the cooperation around and within you: 

• Step outside or relax indoors. Center and settle yourself with a conscious breath. Feel your heartbeat and the earth beneath you. 

• As you drop into the moment, allow the awareness to enter that you’re made of trillions of cells. That beneath you are great networks of fungi supporting all the vegetation you see. That each animal, plant, bird is also made of billions of cells working cooperatively to create life. 

• Place your hands over your heart and feel into “I am part of a great cooperation.” Not only are you a community inside, but an essential part of the Great Community of Nature. 

• Take that awareness into your day. Let yourself lean into the support that’s always here, inside you, and all around you.
  

What if the secret to thriving isn’t being stronger, but being more connected? Your body already knows the answer — and it’s quietly practicing it every moment.

The Science of Cooperation

The science of cooperation is a fascinating field that reveals the intricate ways in which living beings work together to survive and thrive. From the cellular level to entire ecosystems, cooperation is a fundamental aspect of life.

We’ve often been taught that it’s all about “survival of the fittest.” But what if it’s actually about connection and cooperation?

Glial Cells: The Unsung Heroes of the Nervous System

Glial cells, also known as glia, are a type of non-neuronal cell that play a crucial role in the nervous system. We now know that glial cells have a really important job; they’re not just hanging out.

Glial cells are responsible for:

• Feeding and nourishing neurons: Glial cells provide neurons with the nutrients and oxygen they need to function properly. Can’t have any hangry neurons.

• Protecting neurons: Glial cells act as a defence system, protecting neurons from pathogens and other harmful substances. Like the King's guard.

• Repairing damaged neurons: Glial cells help to repair damaged neurons and maintain the integrity of the nervous system.

• Regulating the glymphatic system: Glial cells play a key role in the glymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the brain. Everything needs to run smoothly.

The discovery of glial cells' importance has revolutionized our understanding of the nervous system and has significant implications for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Cellular Communication: The Language of Life

Cells communicate with each other through complex signaling pathways, allowing them to coordinate their behavior and work together for the greater good. This communication can take many forms, including:

• Chemical signals: Cells release chemical signals, such as hormones and neurotransmitters, to communicate with each other.

• Electrical signals: Cells can also communicate through electrical signals, such as action potentials.

• Mechanical signals: Cells can detect mechanical forces, such as stretch and pressure, and respond accordingly.

Cellular communication is essential for the proper functioning of all living organisms, from simple single-celled organisms to complex multicellular organisms like humans. So, you can see how these little cells are actually incredibly important. Everyone has an important job. Cells depend on each other for survival and functioning effectively.

Examples of Cooperation in Nature

Cooperation is not limited to the cellular level; it is a widespread phenomenon that can be observed in many different species and ecosystems. Some examples include:

• Trees: Trees have extensive networks of roots that allow them to share nutrients and water with each other. This cooperation helps to support the entire forest ecosystem.

• Hawks: Some species of hawks have been observed standing on anthills, allowing ants to crawl on their feathers and remove parasites. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the hawks and the ants.

• Lions: Despite their reputation as fierce predators, lions are also known to form close bonds with each other and engage in cooperative behavior, such as hunting and defending their territory.

There is great diversity and complexity of cooperative behavior in nature, which highlights the importance of working together to achieve common goals. You are stronger together… Not on your own.

Mindfulness Exercise: "The Web of Connection"

Here's a mindfulness exercise to enhance your connection and cooperation:

"Imagine yourself standing in a vast, interconnected web. Each strand of the web represents a connection to another living being, from the cells in your body to the people in your life, the trees in the forest and the creatures that inhabit the earth.

As you breathe in, imagine fresh energy and nourishment flowing through the web, supporting and uplifting all the beings connected to you.

As you breathe out, imagine any tension, stress or feelings of disconnection being released into the web, where they can be transformed and used to nourish others.

As you continue to breathe, imagine the web vibrating with the energy of connection and cooperation. Feel the support and love flowing through the web, and know that you are part of this vast network of relationships.

Take a moment to reflect on the ways in which you are connected to others, and how you can cultivate more cooperation and connection in your daily life."

Reflection Questions

1. How can I cultivate more cooperation and connection in my daily life, whether it's with colleagues, friends or family?

2. What are some ways in which I can prioritize self-care and nurturing, just like glial cells care for neurons?

3. How can I recognize and appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings, and how can I contribute to the greater good?