Dad, Why Do Humans Have A Belly Button?
A Sacred Link
In my 20s, when friends or family asked if I wanted to have a child, my answer was always short and evasive. I wasn’t ready to shoulder the responsibility of parenthood. Then, in my early 30s, a wise coaching colleague offered a thought that would eventually transform my outlook. He said, “As a man who never experiences the physical connection of birth, you gain a spiritual bond that unlocks your ego and breathes life into your heart.” I trusted his words, but I didn’t truly understand them until the day my first child was born.
The Moment of Awakening
The moment my baby entered the world, with the umbilical cord still gently wound around their neck, something inside me shifted. I witnessed not just a physical event but the manifestation of a divine link. A connection bridging the tangible world of the body and the silent, vibrant realm of the spirit. As the medical team uncoiled the cord and transformed a bluish hue into life-affirming red, I realized I was seeing life itself.
Umbilical Connection
The umbilical cord is one of nature’s most powerful symbols. It isn’t just a biological conduit that transfers oxygen, nutrients, and waste; it is a lifeline—a tangible imprint of a connection that begins in the womb and extends into our very being. Even after a baby leaves the safety of their mother’s body, that unseen thread of nurturing remains intact. For those fortunate enough to witness this process, it is a surreal reminder that each of us is simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary. Our survival and growth depend on this profound, shared lifeline.
The Most Beautiful Scar
When the time came to sever that physical bond, a nurse handed me a pair of scissors. With that cut, I ended a connection that had defined the first moments of my child’s life. Over time, the remnants of the cord transformed into what we affectionately call the belly button—the most beautiful scar of all. This tiny mark is a daily reminder of our journey from the womb to the world. It speaks of ancient, ancestral ties and the sacrifices made to give life. It reminds us that, despite our individual paths, we all depend on the care of another being to survive. Be grateful for every breath because without another’s sacrifice, none of us would be here. We First!
A Reflection on Connection
Today, I hold that sacred link close to my heart. It is a symbol of our shared journey—a reminder that behind each of us lies a network of love, sacrifice, and profound connection. No matter where life takes us, we carry with us the memory of that first bond, and in doing so, we honor the beautiful interdependence of all life.
Thank you for joining me in this exploration of connection. May you always remember that we are all intricately and wonderfully bound together on this journey of life.