“For we can only wonder

   at every gift you send,

      at blessings without number

         and mercies without end.”

– O God Beyond All Praising, Michael Perry

Today I reflect on fellowship. My family and I will be moving in May. As we approach the transition, I am appreciative for community. Aside from my husband, my church family has been my most constant influence during our three-year chapter in Illinois.

It is first a reminder that consistency is the best path to lasting relationships. It is next a reminder of our need for connection.

As I sit around dinner tables, discussing and laughing, my heart has swelled in awe at the people who have taken us into their homes and invested in us solely for the sake of doing so. It touches my heart.

In touching my heart, I am confident it has also protected my health. There are many times I find myself lying in bed, feeling depressed, that I mobilize for a meal, choir practice, or small group, and leave renewed and inspired.

For me, receiving fellowship is far more potent than the modalities we learn in school.

I used to cross paths with the Framingham heart study in a past job. It is a cohort study conducted by Harvard that found the best predictor of longevity – above cholesterol levels, blood pressure, smoking, physical activity or access to health care – is strong social ties.

The largest research study from the leading allopathic medical institution found the most effective medicine is relationship. Interesting.

I don’t think millions of dollars are needed to reach this conclusion. Lived experience renders it common sense. Who doesn’t feel healthier in the presence of good friends?

It is something I know with my head and have recently had the opportunity to know with my heart as well.

What joy! I am humbled to realize the community that has formed, slowly but surely over the course of three years, and cherish it dearly.

For more information about NUHS’ Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, click here.