One of the most intriguing things I have observed at Hoogland is how much fellow guests contribute to the healing process.
It turns out there is solid, well-known science behind this. When people share similar intentions or engage in the same activities, they often show measurable “brain-to-brain” synchrony. This social synchrony is closely linked to oxytocin release and healthier heart–brain regulation.
An environment like Hoogland naturally amplifies these effects, because people move, breathe, talk, and focus together toward the common goal of whole-person health.
“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” – Ancient Greek saying.
Brainwave Syncing and Rewiring
Studies using hyperscanning (simultaneous brain recording in two or more people) show that when individuals share a goal or intention, their frontal and temporal brain regions become more synchronised than when doing the same task alone.
This neural synchrony improves communication and social coordination, which in turn strengthens neural circuits for empathy and support.
That, in turn, releases oxytocin in the brain. Beyond helping us bond more deeply with others, oxytocin is neuroprotective, reduces inflammation, protects against dementia and vascular disorders, and helps ease depression and anxiety.
In a relatively short time, these experiences of feeling “in sync” help rewire the brain toward greater safety in social interactions. They reduce hypervigilance, make socialising more flexible, and build resilience.
Like-Minded Strangers and Emotional “Heart” Health
Interpersonal neural synchrony does not require long-term relationships. It can emerge quickly—even between strangers—when they coordinate actions or share a goal.
This fast-forming synchrony brings greater feelings of social connectedness and support, even among people who have only just met.
In a world filled with strangers, this is rather magical.
Being surrounded by like-minded strangers in a safe, supportive setting gives the nervous system repeated confirmations of “I am not alone.” This lowers perceived social threat and nurtures emotional well-being.
At places like Hoogland, the shared intention—toward healing, rest, learning, and growth—acts as a powerful reorganiser of brain, heart, and hormonal systems, aligning everyone to create a potent, health-promoting force.
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” – Ryunosuke Satoro
Oxytocin and Heart Health
We all know the feeling of heartache—the tightening in our chest when our heart is broken or we are overwhelmed. That heartache can actually lead to stress cardiomyopathy, a serious (though usually transient) medical condition. Oxytocin is the antidote.
Oxytocin is not only a key social-bonding hormone; it is also a remarkable heart-healing—and whole-body healing—hormone.
It increases heart rate variability, allowing the heart to pump more gently and support healing. It boosts stem cell activity in the heart muscle, reduces inflammation, enhances vascular plasticity, and modulates immune responses.
Oxytocin is released through trusting eye contact, deep conversation, a friendly touch, shared laughter, massage therapies, and coordinated activities. It is an in-person hormone—you cannot boost it digitally or through medication alone. It is complex and profoundly physical.
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
When we choose shared self-care—gathering with others who hold the same quiet intention for rest, renewal, and growth—we create a living field of support that nourishes body, heart, and soul far more deeply than any solitary effort could.
After all, true well-being is never a solo journey. It flourishes when we dare to care for ourselves alongside others who care too.
“Great minds think alike… and kind hearts heal together.”