ABSTRACT
Human life begins within the security of the womb. It begins in total dependence on and togetherness with the other person, the mother, as a part of the other. Birth is parting for the first time. It is accompanied by pain, both for mother and child. From that moment onwards parting is a companion for life. Growing up from child to adult, the whole process of upbringing is ultimately accompanied by parting, casting off the old ties of dependency. The conscious severance of the ties of physical dependency can forge new and stronger ties of mature emotional and intellectual attachment and is a prerequisite.
