“Without healthy connections or a sense of belonging to people and community, our bodies react as if they’re constantly under stress” Jessica Maguire. 

Oftentimes when we develop an illness or chronic pain, we isolate ourselves to the point of feeling so lonely, thinking that no one else knows how we feel. This puts us deeper and deeper into unhealthy habits and coping mechanisms. This creates more tension and danger in our nervous system which creates more anxiety and pain around what we’re isolating from.

Many of us have habits that we’ve learned since childhood that have created a false sense of safety. We only know what we’ve known for so long and now we have an opportunity to look at these patterns and see how many of us actually desire more connection with others.

I deemed myself an introvert but realized I just hated being around people when I didn’t feel good because I had a need to perform and be energized and funny. I believed people didn’t want me around unless I was that way. It was exhausting and frustrating, so I decided I was better in bed by myself.

Having a healthy community is vital for not only emotional/mental/spiritual health but it is imperative for physical health. This toolkit takes you through why community is many people’s missing component in their healing journey.