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Three new books explore the healing power of community.

by Sarah Butland

“…health isn’t just about the steps we take or the food we eat. It’s found in the moments of joy we embrace, the passions we chase and the connections we forge. True health melds the physical, mental, spiritual and communal.”

– Health Explored by Mike Wahl

The more we learn about health and wellness the more evident it becomes that healthcare doesn’t begin at home, but just outside. Each of these three books tell the story of healing, community and obstacles in their own way, though all come to the same conclusion.

Being a part of something bigger than yourself is a common theme to better health and the strength to endure great challenges. As described in the stories collected in Book of Hope: Healthcare and Survival in the North edited by Agnus Pascal (Fernwood Publishing), people who live with a diagnosis of cancer do well when surrounded by people who have faith, offer prayer and will listen to their stories. The subtitle of “Healthcare and Survival in the North” is not to isolate the stories and hardships, but to solidify the value of knowledge and understanding, as well as the importance of early detection and choices.

In Book of Hope, Pascal collected stories of Indigenous people who are cancer survivors and presented beautifully the stories of varying ways people deal with a cancer diagnosis, making the horrible disease a relatable and beautiful lesson. As the title suggests, each personal account is one that describes a universal hope readers will easily connect with, offering a community, in itself, of people who understand. This collection ensures sufferers do not feel so alone in their journey while exploring ways to advocate, live and accept what is next.

Health Explored: A Journey in Happiness, Healing and Humanity by Dr Mike Wahl, PhD with photography by Braeden King (Breakwater Books) is a splendid combination of the power of grief and the ease of happiness through story, wellness tips and profiles of experienced people complemented with photographs. A tribute to the power of nature and the people who embrace it, Wahl and his team explore various areas around the world to discuss health and happiness. He honours the people he has met with as well as breaks down their strategies of living full lives which include history, nature and, of course, community.

A Stroke of Luck: Music, Medicine, and a Miraculous Recovery by D. Bruce Hughes (Purple Porcupine Publishing) describes the powerful perception of pets, importance of community and the therapeutic value of music. D. Bruce “Miracle Man” Hughes tells his own story of stroke survival from first detection to the team of miracle workers who helped continue what Willow, the lifesaving dog, started. Through music, river walks and determination, Hughes story of recovery and gratitude towards a healthcare system that worked for him is a glimmer of hope for all. While Health Explored takes us around the world, A Stroke of Luck, in contrast, keeps us close to the authors home while both equally express the importance of building a community and the value of connections in your healing process. Oftentimes people discuss the stages of grief while these stories propose the steps towards good physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Good physical and mental health is not about a single cure. As discussed in the three books in their unique way, health is more about healing and life is for living. While each offers a unique perspective, they collectively show that healing and good health starts with connection, understanding and nature.

While the state of health care is a topic on everyone’s mind, each of these stories respectively dive into the personal experiences of those being treated, who were treated and how many are taking steps to live their life to the fullest. Throughout history and storytelling, as each of these books do, we learn more about ourselves, this earth and the way we thrive. Miracles are happening every day and, while progress may be slow, finding the courage to speak about the celebrations more than the struggles is a value to all communities.

Hope can be found in obscure places and can multiply if we let it. Hughes, Wahl and Pascal are examples of how shedding light on darkness can help the spirit blossom. Something that was evident in each of the stories, and played a part in each respective healing journey, were the healing powers of water. With Hughes, his walks by the nearby Saint John River in Upper Keswick, New Brunswick, Wahl speaks with mentors who contribute their well-being to sources of natural water and in the introduction of Pascal’s collection, as Agnes says, “Water is healing for me. I’m always drawn to the river when I need clarity and grounding.” ■

SARAH BUTLAND is an author, freelance writer and writing coach living on the North Shore of Nova Scotia.