September 9

5 comments

Can You Harness the Power of Community?

By Sue Ingebretson

September 9, 2014

12 Angry Men, action, books, chronic illness, collective, community, emotions, encourage, focus, harness, Jaws, media, movies, pain, power, primal, support, Thoughts, TV

power-of-communityWe all know that a good community of support can do wonders. We feel more confident when we’re in the presence of like-minded people. Our fibromyalgia pain, sadness, or fears can improve when we’re encouraged by others. But is there more to it than that? Can the power of community go further?

 

I was thinking this the other day when I heard a baby cry. Have you ever been around a group of newborns? They can all be fed and dry, but if one starts crying, the whole group is likely to wail in solidarity.

 

I guess the adage, “misery loves company” comes from a very primal place.

 

Also, have you ever noticed a dramatic shift of emotions in a group setting? I’ve seen this happen in long and drawn-out meetings. We can each go in with our own agenda, but if someone passionately shares contrary feelings, it may not be as easy as you think to hold your own.

 

Watch the fab classic movie, 12 Angry Men with Henry Fonda to see this phenomenon in action. 

 

And, speaking of movies, have you ever noticed that the drama, fear, anxiety, suspense, love, passion, or joy of a movie feels ten times as powerful when shared in a packed theater than when watching at home? That’s why you can now laugh at Jaws on TV, but (if you’re willing to admit it), it scared the pants off of you when you first saw it in the theaters. Emotions are viral.

 

That’s the power

of community in action.

 

So, since we can see, experience, and identify that power – isn’t it a good idea to use it to our benefit? We can harness it! The power of community (and of what surrounds us) goes way beyond people.

 

Consider the following simple tips:

 

— Have you found a good support group, either online, or in person? I’m not talking about the place where people ONLY complain. Complaining has its place, but it can’t be all there is. Otherwise, nothing is accomplished.

 

— Have you supported yourself with positive, encouraging, and affirming books, magazines, TV programming, movies, podcasts, and other media? Do a media detox to bring stress relief. You become what you watch and listen to.

 

— Have you surrounded yourself with healthy and healing foods, cookbooks, trips to the farmer’s market, and supportive healthy people? It’s amazing how you can change WHAT you crave when healthy food is in view.

 

— Have you surrounded yourself with DVDs, books, magazine articles, simple workout equipment, and positive people who support your fitness goals? You’ll find yourself putting on tennies and going for a walk before your resistance kicks in to object.

 

— Have you surrounded yourself with the encouragement, support and guidance you need? I’m here to help in any way that I can. Contact me here to chat about what working with me can look like for you. 

 

Remember that

ACTION follows THOUGHT.

 

If you think about making healthy lifestyle changes – then you will.

 

If you think about eating better – then you will.

 

If you think about working out – then you will.

 

If you think about implementing a new healing practice – then you will.

 

How will you harness the power of community in your life? Where can you make this a focus? Share your ideas below!

 

Stop-Feeding-Yourself-PAINDoes what you eat for breakfast relate to your PAIN? To learn more, grab your FREE  Stop Feeding Yourself PAIN guide here!

  1. Hello Ms. Sue!

    I have been reading a couple of your posts and they are just the kind of content I enjoy reading about. I just turned 40 this year and have a long history of health issues (which are all described in my blog), so I am always looking for positive, for hope for myself and in turn can spread that to my readers, family and friends.

    Thanks
    Jennifer R.

  2. Hello Ms. Sue!

    I have been reading a couple of your posts and they are just the kind of content I enjoy reading about. I just turned 40 this year and have a long history of health issues (which are all described in my blog), so I am always looking for positive, for hope for myself and in turn can spread that to my readers, family and friends.

    Thanks for a great read!
    Jennifer R.

    1. Thanks for the kind comment, Jennifer! I hope you dig around — there’s LOTS of content here. Over 200 posts. Something for everyone, and they’re all positive, encouraging, and educating 😉

  3. Yes! See I didnt think I was going crazy. I started food shopping just the outline of the store and by passing the deli counter. I have noticed my cluster headaches coming in less and less amounts. I started listening to a playlist I made myself with songs that remind me that I will ok and suddenly the outburts of self hate stopped. I joined on line support groups and suddenly I dont feel as issolate. I tried to tell some of my family and everytime I did I was told it’s all in my mind, that it’s a placebo. It’s nice to know that I am not living just in my mind.

    1. Nita – the changes you’ve made are amazing and I’m so happy for you! You’re on the right track, and the improvements you feel in your body are a good sign that you’re doing the right things. You’re definitely NOT alone and this Rebuilding Wellness community is here to help you!

Comments are closed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Your Fibromyalgia Recovery Coach

Click HERE to learn more about what you can experience by working with me as your Fibromyalgia Recovery Coach.


Click
HERE to schedule your own FREE Confusion to Clarity Session.

Your Fibromyalgia Recovery Coach

Books by Sue E. Ingebretson

Spread the good news of health and healing! Checkout these books to SHARE the love. 😉

And grab your copy of my Stop Pain Guide today! 

Share the guide and share the love...

"True Healing requires a combination of healthy nutrition, healthy body movements, and emotional wellness. This is what I call the Restoration Trio" ~ Sue Ingebretson