A positive identification with sense of connection to self or society is more widespread in the upper two quadrants of the PFCI-SMS typological map of America. It forms one basic bridge between quadrants. Those people in the lower left quadrant have the least sense of connection. The lighter shaded area represents those people who are also strong on connection but have not been strong voters. The darker region signifies strong voters.

Applied to the PFCI-SMS quadrants, as well as The 8 American Types, it is connection that is most basic -- connection to self, connection to community. With a sense of connectedness, people can reach out to aid others and the planet; hence, the service connection. Spirituality embraces both and in various ways. It represents a more encompassing and holistic worldview that takes into account more than the physical and social environment. It is a larger context for everyone.

These three elementary factors can serve as bridges between a higher common denominator and those people who may still be struggling with the stresses of daily life. If what we need to serve a new way of being emphasizes our higher potential and encourages becoming more spiritually aware and highly evolved as individuals and as a species, then our social and political institutions must be very different than they are now. The point we are making is a relatively new one that requires new social, cultural and institutional constructs, since it is based on an entirely different set of assumptions and intentions.

Connection

Large numbers of people are influenced by many levels of "disconnection" -- from self, others, community, nation, humanity, nature, or spirituality. Without meaningful connection at one or more of these levels, it is hard to have a motivated and active population creating a positive future. Community-based initiatives, such as Decade of the Heart, and Internet-based initiatives, such as The Global Interchange, can provide "connection" and community to people for whom this is an important ingredient. These are examples of strategies that provide people on the left side of the PFCI-SMS map with information and better means for communicating and connecting. This, in turn, can reduce their feelings of social disenfranchisement and provide avenues through which they can connect to others outside of their type. A new process can engage them at many levels in an overall movement toward a positive future. Lack of connection to self or others makes this group act as "negative social ballast" that pulls everyone to the lowest common denominator.