Letter from the Acting President April 2023

People can you feel it?
Love is everywhere.
Everyone is singing, yeah,
There'll be no one to fight. 

The Allman Brothers Band, “Revival” (1970)

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Dear Reader,

Three years ago, on March 30th, 2020, the Institute began hosting a special Monday support group, the “Open Group for Togetherness.” Inspired by feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disorientation in those early days of the pandemic, the virtual group became, as is written on our website, “a supportive space to learn and practice mind-body skills as well as to enjoy fellowship with those who are present.” Coincidentally, on the 3rd anniversary of the group last week, we celebrated our 1000th log-in to the meeting.

Part of the Institute’s Center for Mind, Body, Spirit Connection and the Greater Houston Healing Collaborative, this group celebrates the power of community as well as the transformative mind-body skills that we practice together. In a recent survey to group members who have participated in at least three sessions, 100% of respondents said that the group has helped them cope with the effects of the pandemic, manage stress, and feel more connected to others.

Shari M. wrote “I live alone and during the pandemic the Monday noon group provided a network of caring, concerned individuals that in and of itself was incredibly comforting.” Another participant, Sarah F., wrote, “During the lockdown, connecting with others in a heartfelt way helped to keep me centered and not overwhelmed. Now that things are returning to normal, I still find that the group helps me focus on generating compassion and friendliness.”

It is abundantly clear that there is something fundamentally healing about sharing space and time with other people. The visionary behind the training program we originally brought to Houston, Dr. James Gordon, writes in The Transformation, “Small groups … are the social unit in which … our species evolved. It makes sense, then, that small groups can bring healing to all of us who continue to carry these genes.”

Ironically, in a time when the world is more connected than ever before through social media, international travel, video conferencing, and advanced communications technologies, there seems to be a widespread feeling of disconnection. The solution is to foster the spirit of togetherness through intentional action and by showing up. Organizational leaders should foster a culture of connectedness within their institutions, and individuals should seek out opportunities to be in fellowship with others. Traditionally, this has occurred in congregational settings where we gather around shared beliefs, practices, and histories, but the power of connection can be experienced in many other settings including service organizations, clubs and hobby-oriented groups, and even gatherings at home. The key is to be purposeful and warmhearted as you gather, stoking curiosity about your own experience and that of others.

How do you cultivate connection and togetherness in your life? If you are struggling to answer this question, consider joining us – the Monday group and dozens of other ISH offerings through the year are open to all.

With Peace and Spring Tidings,
Stuart

Stuart C. Nelson, MA
Acting President