Community is the Key to Healing

Greetings OHI community, and welcome to summer - the season of recreation, fun, and camaraderie. The longer days and warmer weather create more opportunities for us to connect or reconnect with others in our community.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

I begin with this verse because it describes the essence of our community here at OHI. In the New Testament book of Mark, verses 12:28-31, a Jewish priest asked Jesus what was the most important commandment. He replied that it is to love God; and second is to love your neighbor as yourself. We fulfill the law of Christ when we love our fellow man by helping them carry their burdens. And, we help each other best when we create caring communities - which is what I wish to address in this issue.

You may recall from our Spring newsletter, I wrote about the history of ritual cleansing and how holistic healing starts with cleansing. I noted that a ritual is more than just a habit; it is a way of thinking. And, how a cleanse opens up space for growth. I then suggested that creating a ritual of holistic cleansing at OHI several times a year is a great way to routinely reset and renew your life.

In this issue I wish to return to a subject I have written about many times before; one I cannot emphasize enough, and that is the power of community at OHI.

Community Requires Vulnerability

When you first arrive at OHI everything seems alien, but then you are surprised by how quickly you warm up to your new environment. As you take the classes you start to bond with the other guests, missionaries, and staff. You start to relax and you begin to feel, as my grandmother used to say, that you can let your hair down. Before you know it, you can feel the stress you've been carrying start to melt away.

There is a requirement however for this to work: you have to be yourself. You must be authentic. When you open up to others, and show your vulnerabilities, others will be more likely to open up to you as well.

In this day and age it's easy to fool ourselves that we're not vulnerable. We develop impenetrable personas to protect ourselves from social hurt. Personas that prevent us from really getting to know other people. But we are vulnerable, everybody has suffered some trauma, and at some point we all need other people, and because of that community is more critical than ever today.

Dr. Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled, said, "There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community."

This risk we fear in being vulnerable is that it will be met with indifference at best and rejection at worst. We fear what people will think of us, when most of them don't think of us at all. The important thing to remember is that we are all so much alike in this way, that when we finally open up with each other and realize our similarities, it's like a breath of fresh air.

More than a Support Group; OHI is a Support System

Holistic healing is improved by joining a nurturing community like OHI. It means that you are establishing strong connections with like-minded participants who have empathy, are open to authentic communication, and share their own experiences that you can relate to. These profound connections empower healing and aid in recovery while you help others do the same.

The OHI community is a platform where you can communicate your story and find support from people like you who have had similar experiences.

When you gather together with others in a supportive environment you can openly talk about your experiences while learning the coping strategies of your new peers. It's amazing the amount of valuable and practical advice you'll receive. When you engage with your fellow guests at OHI, who may be having or have previously faced similar challenges to yours; you gain strength and resilience because you see that you are not alone on your journey. Seeing the success of others is often all that is needed to convince you that you can do it too.

OHI is a Safe Space to Share Your Personal Experiences

Learning from others is just the beginning. More important is the emotional encouragement you'll receive to propel you along your journey. The support you get from our community is vital for ongoing recovery. We provide a safe, sacred, and supportive space where you will feel that powerful sense of belonging and connection. You will be regularly reminded of how your particular experience and challenges are valued. Your contributions to the group will also be highly welcomed. At OHI you can share your stories without fear.

A cohesive community will celebrate everyone's successes. An example of this is OHI's "You" Validation Class where fellow guests share qualities they like about you.

Allowing yourself to be vulnerable at OHI enables you to break free from isolation.

Community is more than just connection; community is a feeling - the feeling of being accepted for who you are. That feeling comes from being supported by your fellow guests who often become your friends, companions, and confidants. The connection and support you get from the OHI community makes you feel wanted and loved. Becoming part of a community helps you break free from isolation - we were never meant to live in seclusion - as social beings having a community is critical for us to thrive and survive.

Many times, I have attended conferences or visited different organizations where I didn't feel like I fit in. Finding yourself in a situation like that creates a sense of loneliness that can be heartbreaking. It's an experience no one likes. When you join a group, you want to feel accepted, to feel like you belong. When you feel like you belong - you identify as a part of that group. You are a member. Which reminds me of the old American Express slogan: "Membership has its benefits." There are many benefits to being a member of our OHI community.

Belonging is a very different feeling than what you feel if you have to force yourself to conform to be a member of a group. If you can't be authentic then you are living a lie, and that is not healthy. An authentic sense of belonging means you can be your true self inside the community. You can be vulnerable and not fear rejection. Your unique qualities are celebrated, embraced, and appreciated. You don't have to change a thing about yourself to be accepted.

Who Do You Turn To When You Need Help?

It's important to have people you can turn to when you need something. A community that is ready, willing, and able to supply you with support when you need to feel safe and cared for is vital to life itself. Studies show people are more likely to heal when they are in healthy relationships where they feel seen, heard, validated, and respected. Our OHI community provides that.

The function of community in the healing process is mostly overlooked by the healthcare industry, yet the power of collective healing is tremendous. Healing does not have to be done alone. In fact, it makes it harder. When connection is fostered, and a support system provided, members of our community see better results for their goals.

Our communal atmosphere creates a positive healing energy. And, when we practice meditation, prayer, and other group activities together the vibrational energy of the group is amplified and promotes greater healing. When people come together in a community like OHI, they heal faster, better and more completely.

What's New for 2025

We're excited for you to see the new updates at OHI San Diego! We're refreshing our buildings with new paint, replacing the main building's roof, renovating the sun deck, and upgrading the jacuzzi with advanced spa mechanics. Many guest rooms will have energy-efficient air conditioning, and we're using solar energy for over 65% of our energy needs. Additionally, we're adding carports and EV charging stations for our electric and hybrid vehicle guests. We can’t wait for you to enjoy these upgrades on your next visit.

Earlier this year, OHI San Diego and Austin launched a new property management and reservation system designed to enhance our guests' experience by monitoring your preferences. Additionally, we are streamlining our check-in process to ensure quicker and more convenient arrivals. We’re thrilled to place you at the heart of this new system!

Come to OHI this Summer

The fabulous summer weather is here, it's a wonderful time to connect or reconnect with your OHI community. Call us at (800) 588-0809 to book your stay!

Here's wishing you health and wellness this summer.

Yours in prayer,
Robert P. Nees, Jr.
Senior Pastor and Chairman
Optimum Health Institute of San Diego and Austin