As
James Maskell, founder of
The Evolution of Medicine says, "
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh says that 'Community is the guru of the future.'"
Now, I didn't get that the first time, but what it means to me now, is that we are on a path of replacing our reverence for masters, with the understanding that a community carries more wisdom than a leader or teacher.
James and Thich Nhat Hanh are not alone.
The Institute for Functional Medicine realizes and teaches that healing occurs better in a group setting than it does in a conventional doctor-patient setting.
The power of groups/communities is known around the world!
So, I recently launched a health group called Together Toward Health, what I refer to as an exploration of what you get when you mix
functional medicine with community. 11 of us, interested in health. 2 hour sessions every other week for 4 months. Affordable: $25/session.
My first, central concern was to have everyone truly feel safe, comfortable, at ease in our group. My second concern was whether or not I could help us as a group feel the power that we have.
I don't want to keep you in suspense; that first group meeting was as much as I could ever have hoped for!!!
One member stated to the group that this was the most peaceful thing she has done in 3 years!
Another member with over 30 years of illness said, "I heard a lot of things that gave me hope."
One stated, "I couldn't hear it before, ... that diet can heal."
Many members stated to the entire group that they were grateful to each of the others for being there; and the sincerity was deep.
The quotes tell part of the story. The smiles, the caring looks, and the relaxed and relieved body language further communicated the depth of our experience.
And that was just meeting #1.
