At MHC and in the non-profit world in general, we talk a lot about “community.” 
Community is a word that means a lot of different things to different people. For some, being in community with others is instantly healing. The connection with other humans, an experience you have together, or conversations that help you see the world differently can be a great stress reliever.
What is it about connecting with other humans that many of us need?
An interesting article in Psychology Today highlights the importance of how human connection is important to our health:
“One telling study showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. On the the flip side, strong social connection leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity. Social connection strengthens our immune system (research by Steve Cole shows that genes impacted by social connection also code for immune function and inflammation), helps us recover from disease faster, and may even lengthen our life. People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression.”
MHC actively deploys the “four pillars of recovery” into our work. These pillars – Home, Health, Purpose, and Community – are recognized by SAMHSA and in the recovery movement as being the areas most critical to address when on a path to achieve long-term health and wellbeing.
MHC Development Committee Co-Chair and event planner maven, Laureen Guerriero, finds that being in community with others has many benefits.
“As a wine educator and WSET Level 2 Award holder in Wine and Spirits, I have a passion for educating everyday wine enthusiasts. Since 2009, I have been hosting educational wine events for large and small groups. No matter the setting: large event at a venue, medium sized vineyard class or an intimate in-home educational tasting with homemade food pairings; the reason I love hosting these events is outcome and benefit everyone experiences. Connection, relaxation, grape love and seizing the day. People more often, enter as strangers but they leave as friends with a bond over learning, connecting and letting go of everyday pressures. That is the benefit of community gatherings.”
With the idea that being in community is a top priority in an individual’s health, what does that look like for you?
We’d love to talk about the benefits of being together, while we take time to be together! Join us on Saturday, May 11th for Laureen’s “Sunset Hike and Sip” fundraising event. We will hike, we will sip, and we will come together to put all the good community feel vibes into action!
