THE JOY OF KINDRED SPIRITS

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“In crowds we have unison, in groups harmony. We want the single voice but not the single note; that is the secret of the group.” —Mary Parker Follett

LEARNING IS INHERENTLY SOCIAL

It never fails—by September, back-to-school messages and activities pull our attention back to learning. “To learn is a natural pleasure,” writes Aristole, “not confined to philosophers, but common to all.”

In our age of advanced information technology, opportunities for learning may seem infinite, but it’s hard to find an easier, more successful, and more satisfying method for learning than joining a “practice group”—a group of like-minded individuals pursuing common interests and goals together. Identify an interest or hobby, and there will likely be corresponding practice groups for learning and camaraderie. These groups may meet in virtual or real-life environments.

Skills mastery for any subject entails acquiring knowledge, developing good techniques, obtaining feedback, and—perhaps most important—practicing what we’re learning. Similar to one-stop-shopping, all of these attributes can be found within good practice groups.

In my experience, belonging to a practice group has been more useful to my jogging, meditation, Tai Chi, and orchid-growing skills than any other mode of learning.

FAST PATH TO SKILLS GROWTH

Like many others, my initial approach to skills mastery consisted of a combination of reading, trial and error, and taking advice from fellow novices. It wasn’t until I joined a local jogging group that I realized how much I had to unlearn and how easily and quickly my skills would grow with expert guidance and regular practice with group members. This was also true for other groups I joined over the years. For example, the consistency required for productive meditation, the feedback and correction needed for effective Tai Chi practice, and the essential techniques needed to coax an orchid plant to re-bloom were easily and enjoyably obtained from good practice groups.

There have even been instances where I learned something surprising from a practice group experience.

CONNECTION AND BELONGING

I vowed that I would learn to fly fish after taking an introductory class several years ago. When the local fly-fishing group relocated their monthly meetings to a nearby park facility, I knew this would be a good opportunity for me, but I had no way of knowing how meaningful the experience would turn out to be.

The first clue that the fly-fishing meeting would be unique was the more-than-usual number of pick-up trucks and SUVs parked outside the meeting venue. The next surprise came when I found myself fighting a strong urge to flee as I noticed that the attendees were bearded, pony-tailed, and dressed in the technical attire of fly fishing. All but one were male.

But the moment I walked through the door, I was warmly welcomed by the group’s secretary whose well-trimmed beard and encouraging manner immediately put me at ease. Everyone was friendly; the speaker’s remarks and beautiful nature photos were inspiring; and I even came close to winning the raffle.

The experience of going from feeling out-of-place to quickly feeling very welcome was astonishing. Soon afterward, I realized that creating connection and a sense of belonging among members is a hallmark of a good practice group. “Belonging,” writes Kate Anderson, “is about finding that place where you finally let out a deep breath...where you feel with great certainty that the people around you understand you.” I realized that I’d enjoyed this connection and belonging in other practice groups that I’d joined over the years.

KINDRED SPIRITS GATHER HERE

Creating a place for kindred spirits to gather and learn is a primary objective of the High Health Network—a practice group where effective methods for cultivating health and well-being are also made easy to master. If you or your company want connection, belonging, and other extraordinary health-building approaches, contact us to find out more.

Joyce M. Young, MD, MPH
Managing Director, Advanced Wellness Systems
Lead Expert for the High Health Network

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“When I learn something new—and it happens every day—I feel a little more at home in this universe, a little more comfortable in the nest.” —Bill Moyers

Sincerely,

Your colleagues at Advanced Wellness Systems