The Soul, Part 3 — The Social Aspect

Social Wellness is determined by a person's ability to interact with different people in different types of situations. Adjustment periods may vary according to each individual's level of comfort, but even the most shy have the desire to "reach out and touch someone."

Week 1–"I Vahnt To Be Ahlone"

Being alone means down-time for the person who cares about others. Refueling and recharging will be time well spent when the Source of that Strength can, in turn, encourage and refresh others. A Reader's Digest report stated that "...having a network of supportive family and friends has been linked to fewer complications in pregnancy (and shorter labor during delivery), higher levels of immune function, and a greater ability to give up cigarettes, stick with an exercise program, and even survive cancer."

On the other hand, to those lacking Social Wellness, alone means being lonely. A preoccupation with one's condition can result in loneliness. The time is used to magnify, reiterate, and reprocess the day's problems. The need for isolation is then confirmed. Dr. David Sobel, co-author of the book, "Healthy People," says, "A lack of social support is a health 'risk factor' like smoking and a lack of exercise." This type of individual spills so much of living into their own life, that there isn't any energy available for others.

A great way to start adding sociability to your overall wellness program is through exercise. To test the waters of the social pool, find a popular local spot, such as: the town park, the high school track, or the neighborhood streets, just to name a few, and begin to stroll. It provides a healthy point of contact with the outside world without having to get too involved too soon.

Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. Romans 12:16

Week 2–"Long Live the King"

According to studies, men have a higher risk of heart disease and other related health problems, especially in the 40 to 60 year old age group. Married men, however, tend to fair better than their single counterparts. Many reasons contribute to this, but believe it or not — Marriage is good for the heart!

Besides the security that comes with marriage and family, husbands and dads experience a greater degree of healthy socialization. Male-to-male friendships do not usually evolve into the deep intimate relationship that is common between so many women. In general, men are visual, whereas women tend to draw from communication. Without wholesome family relationships, Social Wellness in men can be fleeting.

Golf is one of the greatest sports that will meet the needs of social as well as physical fitness for a long and happy life. In his book, "Golf and the Spirit," M. Scott Peck says that part of the reason he became hooked on the game was "...the companionship, the camaraderie, and the kind of male bonding that's almost nonexistent..." or doesn't appear to be as strong in other sports. The score does not have to be the focus of the game. Communication between husband and wife can flow, when mutually engaged in activity together. Christopher Ganci never really cared for golf, but joined his father's foursome last year. After his father, Fire Chief Ganci, died in the September 11th attacks, the younger Ganci reflected in an article, "I'll treasure those memories for the rest of my life...We really bonded when we were out there."

Be the King of your castle and challenge your family and friends to come off of the couch and follow you into the world of the living. A social life full of activity will lengthen your days and produce a wealth of memories that will last a lifetime.

Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. Romans 12:1

Week 3–"Recreational Relationships"

Many healthy relationships are started on the playing fields of America. Sports, games, and exercise allow for bonding between a diverse population of relationships. The family can benefit in their quality time when engaged in a common goal. The folks in that old adage, "The family that prays together stays together" would probably be twice as blessed by playing together as well.

Week 4–"The Thrill of Victory / The Agony of Defeat"

Somewhere along the line, competition became a dirty word in the schools. One almost expects to see it written on the bathroom walls along with the rest of the graffiti. In real life, however, competition stokes the fires of ambition. There are all kinds of competitions that push us beyond our perceived abilities toward excellence. Without it, we lose our standards. Mediocrity is Okay.