In Holland, there was a study of 2,800 people aged 55 to 85, quoted from Dr. Ornish's book. These people were interviewed and friends were interviewed about the level of emotional support available for these people, and they found that these older citizens who saw themselves as being surrounded by supportive and loving friends were less likely to die by approximately half when compared with those who felt emotional isolation. These studies are amazing. People shouldn't go away with the idea that because it was a certain way, it has to be that way still. We can reverse our fate by connecting and developing community and relationships with each other that are intimate, communicative, loving, supportive, and that's what the groups are about.
People form, at the retreats, they go home and form groups.
The groups are so inspiring and the effects are so immediately compelling and obvious, that people of their own volition, without having planned it, go home and form groups. The best thing I can say is if they feel good. If you are in the presence of someone who is loving and caring, that feels great. When you are judging or feel judged or angry, that doesn't feel good. In a good relationship, you feel like more than you were when you started.