On Being Sociable

2. On Being Sociable

Alexander the Great accomplished many things in his lifetime and on many occasions he had cause to celebrate. And so he did! Alexander was a master host.

Following his victory over Darius and his Persian army, Alexander the Great hosted a party to end all parties, a mass wedding feast. On this occasion, hundreds of his warriors took wives, even though most of them already had wives and family at home. Alexander did, too!

At this extravaganza there were thousands of gaudily attired dancers. Musicians strolled about serenading the guests. Flowers were everywhere and scores of servers brought in meats, wines, fruits and an endless array of delectibles to charm and delight the senses and tantalize the palate. Laughter, gaiety, happiness and joy prevailed. The partakers gorged until the morning dawn found all having surcease in deep sleep.

We Hygienists, of course, don’t condone such indulgence and gourmandizing but we also have cause to celebrate. We also have occasion for rejoicing even though presently we may not be in the best of health and even though we may be but novitiates and have barely made a beginning on the road to better health. We have cause to rejoice, to celebrate because we have found TRUTH. We know that we, at long last, possess knowledge of the only possible way to regain health if it has been lost, provided of course that sufficient vital force is yet resident within the body not only to instigate the healing process but also to energize it until the desired level of health is finally reached.

We rejoice also in the full realization that once we reach our ultimate goal of complete freedom from pain and full enjoyment of that euphoric state that only full health can bring (and we know that we will), that we now either possess knowledge of how to maintain our existing high level of health or we are aware of the essence of truth and are resolved to expand our knowledge of Hygienic principles so that we can attain our own individual goal(s), whatever they may be. We know that we possess great cause for rejoicing and celebrating because we are few among many. We are the lucky ones. The masses remain needlessly enmeshed in the throes of suffering and disease. Only we have escaped!

We fully realize that there are numerous and deep chasms of the unknown when it comes to full knowledge of the human body but we also are aware that the fundamental truths of life have been established by centuries of correct living on the part of a few and that Hygienists of the past have set these forth for our acceptance and practice in the 19 requisites of organic existence, these having been learned in this course: fresh air, pure water, and all the others so important to our well-being.

Socializing, friendships—these are among the psychological plus factors of life. They are important to health. We have already noted that man is, by nature, a gregarious creature. We need to be part of a group, to be recognized, to be made to feel that we as individuals count, that each one of us is important.

A great healer knows that there are many things the average adult wants and yearns for and leading the list, before money and all the things money will buy, is health and the preservation of life. Socializing with other Natural Hygienists will not only expand our knowledge of Hygienic truths but will also underscore our conviction as to the rightness of our present course; or, if we err, it will serve as a medium to correct us.

2.1 Why This Lesson?

Learning how to contact other Hygienists for the purposes of socializing, having fun, expanding knowledge, underscoring our personal convictions and giving mutual support to one another is, we believe, a legitimate part of this course. We have made it a part of our own practice and policy and have observed socializing in action. The rewards are endless.

The information contained in this lesson should help new Hygienists who may now feel set apart to find their own niche in life. It should show them how they can become a “best friend” to another or to many others.

Beginning practitioners should find in this lesson some ideas to correlate in their practice, ideas which will provide an outlet not only for their individual talents but also a release for their private cares and concerns. Socializing in a meaningful way can help to expand one’s practice.

We should all remember that it is not wholesome to stay to one’s self. We only reach the height of our own powers when we begin to reach out toward others. We have a real inner need to serve other people, to include them in our activities; and to be included in theirs.

We cannot, of course, cover in this lesson all methods of socializing possible or acceptable to Hygienists but, hopefully, we will offer a sufficient number of suggestions to enable practitioners and individual students alike to expand their contacts for the purposes herein set forth.

2.2 Start Where You Are

Common sense should guide us in our choices of where we shall go, what we shall do and with whom we shall socialize. Early in this discussion we pointed out that Hygienists have, by choice, removed themselves from the masses. However, this does not mean that we cannot make casual entrances into society at large. What it does say is that our strolls therein should be carefully chosen and formulated to fulfill a primary need.

For example, we personally go to church regularly. We attend both teaching classes and regular services. Generally speaking, the people we meet are individuals with whom we feel comfortable and from our contacts there we find a certain number with whom we can exchange thoughts and ideas in a social situation to our mutual benefit without feeling that we are being manipulated or reduced in any way.

One of our students enjoys painting in oils. She is a Hygienist. She could have chosen to paint in her own studio or she might have set her lonely easel out on the floor of the desert and endlessly painted the beautiful mountains that surround the city of Tucson. These mountains always intrigue artists—their colors and configurations change as the sun moves across the sky from east to west.

Instead our student chose otherwise, at least for part of the time. She went to the Chamber of Commerce and learned where painting classes were being held and made her choice among the many beings offered: some by the city Parks and Recreation Department, others by churches; there were classes at local schools and colleges. She found many from which to choose.

Do you have a hobby? Undoubtedly similar classes having to do with your very own special interest can be found where you live or within a reasonable distance. Inquire around and find your niche.

2.3 Our Student Hosts a Party

Some time later, after she had become better acquainted with her classmates, our student invited them all to join her for a fruit breakfast, this to be followed by a painting session in the desert overlooking the celebrated Pusch Ridge.

What did the party cost her? Nothing except the effort of extending the invitation. The whole class eagerly responded (everybody likes a party!) and, since this was to be a potluck occasion, they all brought their own food and their own service. And, what is more, a fruit breakfast was a new experience which every single one found most enjoyable—a delightful change from the usual ham and eggs!

This same idea can be incorporated when one’s interests lie in other directions. In every town and city these days there are clubs and group meetings, free lectures and seminars, classes to satisfy a wide range of interests. The Hygienist who feels set apart or lonely must learn to reach out toward that area of society in which s/he can feel comfortable.

Once you have become a part of the group, you must learn to reach out toward others. For some this reaching out to include others may be a new experience but, remember our admonition: it is not wholesome to remain to ourselves too much.

Practice will expand our talents in reaching out. Margery Wilson, the charm lady, said it well, “When the mind dwells too deeply and too long on the self, it shrivels those tendrils of the heart that reach out from the warm and inclusive human being.” So strive to keep your own hospitality light bright and shining. Don’t forget that you will begin to glow with an inner glow as you improve in health, so much so that your newly-found friends will soon begin to ask you questions. How rewarding that time will be. Then you will be given a golden opportunity to give to another human being the gift of life itself.

2.3.1 Parties Do Not Have to be Large

Two stories will serve to illustrate the point that parties do not have to be large to be happy occasions. They also demonstrate how easy it can be to make new friends when we are willing to make the first friendly gesture. We have told these stories elsewhere in other writings, but they deserve repeating here to emphasize the point that even small gatherings, indeed socializing with a single other person, can be rewarding.

One time we were aimlessly strolling around the streets of Rome in search of one of that city’s famous fountains, since our knowledge of Italian is very limited, we had difficulty in communicating our needs to the passerby. So, there we were, lost in a foreign city, strangers among a people with whom we could not speak. What a hopeless feeling that can impart!

Suddenly, Dr. Elizabeth spied a tall, well-dressed gentleman standing on a nearby corner. Never bashful, she went up to him and, in her broken Italian asked for directions. The gentleman doffed his hat, bowed gracefully and replied, “Madam, if you will but speak to me the American, so that I may practice the speaking of it, I will be honored to show you my Roma!”

And so he did. We spent a wonderful afternoon with our host. He showed us his Roma as few tourists have been privileged to see it. And, as the dusk was falling, he invited us to share refreshments with him at a little sidewalk cafe. Finally, to his obvious regret and ours, he bowed and, taking his leave, presented us with his card. To our astonishment, we found that we had spent this wonderful afternoon with a Count, a celebrated member of the Italian government.

On another occasion we were in Maxime’s in Paris, that world-famous restaurant. We had been seated at a wall table overlooking the entire main room. Our eyes were wide with wonder as we watched “High Fashion” at lunch. A black gentleman was seated next to us at the adjacent table. Suddenly, he leaned over to Dr. Elizabeth and aid, “I beg Madame’s pardon, but are you Americans?” Upon learning that indeed we were, we were asked to be his guests. For well over two hours we received attention galore.

Our host proved to be witty, charming and a delightful conversationalist, a graduate of one of America’s most elite universities. We had a wonderful time. Finally, our host said that he had to go to Geneva and, regretfully, must take his leave.

He, too, left behind his personal card. Only then did we learn that our friend was an official representative of an African country to the United Nations. He was a very important gentleman, indeed. And yet, he took time out to be kind to two strangers who, like him, were having luncheon alone in a foreign land. Why? Because Elizabeth had smiled at him as she was being seated!

2.4 How to Have a Hygienic Party

Let us first address the problem of the individual Hygienist, male or female, who knows no other Hygienists in the immediate community where s/he resides. However, he usually does have a circle of acquaintances that he has acquired from time to time during the years he has lived in the community or from among the population who live in the general geographical location.

The same format as detailed above for the painting class party can be used. Host a fruit breakfast, or a “brunch,” or have a salad luncheon.

The Hygienist host or hostess may either supply the food and service for his guests or stipulate, “Let’s have a pot-luck.” You may decide on a salad potluck or a fruit potluck; or even make it a “bring your favorite dish” pot-luck; or just get together for an evening of fun.

If no food is to be served, you will, of course, have to provide a means of entertainment. Games of various kinds may be provided, tapes may be played (there are fun tapes to be had for just such occasions. These are tapes designed to make even the grouchiest listener smile once in awhile.)
Invitations may be given orally, by telephone or in person, or they may be mailed on bright party-looking fun cards. They can be formal as for a sit-down luncheon or casual for a buffet-type gathering.

Potlucks are especially interesting and they are easy on the person hosting the party. You need not be an Alexander the Great. We, of course, do not condone the gluttony and indulgence displayed by Alexander and his soldiers, but what we do wish to emphasize by that example and through this lesson is the fact that we all have a need to socialize. His party was a skillful way on his part of rewarding his soldiers for their excellent work. In the same way by having an occasional party we can reward ourselves for our good work and also give to other Hygienists an opportunity to share fun and friendship with others and thus in the doing enlarge our own happiness and our own social awareness and participation.

The “bring your favorite dish” potluck is always fun. Guests enjoy seeing and experimenting with the dishes brought by all the other guests.

2.4.1 Words to Ponder

Parties can be as expensive as your wish, or as inexpensive. The main ingredient of a happy party is hospitality, the offering of a friendly smile and the extending of a friendly hand in greeting. All people have a genuine need to be loved, to feel that they are important to someone.

Remember FDR? Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the thirty-second president of the United States, was a master host even upon small occasions having no particular significance either to him personally or to the country at large. One time a new car was presented to him as a gift by one of the large car makers, the car to be used on state occasions.

A chauffeur drove the car to the front of the White House and FDR with his entourage came down the steps for the formal presentation. There were many invited guests there for the occasion. FDR took it upon himself to learn the name of the man who drove the car to the White House and made it a point to thank the man not only personally but publicly. And, he did even more, for a few days later, the chauffeur, who was obviously politically unimportant to the president, received a surprise in the mail: an autographed picture and a personal note of thanks signed by the president of the United States!

One time we were to act as host and hostess at a party for a well-known soprano. She is internationally famous and has sung before presidents and kings, frequently at our own White House. The party was given by an “important” musical group. Was it a formal black tie affair? No, indeed! Just the opposite, as a matter of fact. So informal was it that no utensils were served and there were no chairs on which to sit. Our famous soprano and we sat on some boxes and delved into meringues and Hors D’Oeuvres with our fingers. After the party was over, she remarked that she couldn’t recall when she had had such fun!
We can learn from these two examples. People are important, not the trappings of the party. Make your guests feel welcome and wanted and your party will be a success.

2.4.2 Some Party Ideas

If you are fortunate enough to have a pool at your home, your party plans are half made. Have a swimming party. If not, why not invite your new friends to meet you at a specified day and hour for a picnic at a public pool? Most communities have one.

On these occasions your guests provide their own food. Or, again, the potluck approach can be used. The main thing you will be required to do will be to arrange with the proper authorities ahead of time so that you and your guests will be expected and a table set aside in an appropriate spot for your exclusive use. You should, of course, know just how many people to expect and have seating for all.

Occasionally, we host a “hiking breakfast.” Our students or friends gather here at the ranch at an early hour and off we go on a specified route which covers anywhere from two to six miles, depending, of course, on the age and condition of individual guests. Brandy, our collie, particularly enjoys these parties. He’s right up in front, tail wagging, leading the group.

Following our hike, we set out the fruit and usually sit quietly enjoying our fruit while we listen to a tape recording by some well-known Hygienist; or we simply enjoy each other’s company discussing areas of mutual concern and interest. On these occasions, we ably support one another and that is our purpose, is it not?

2.4.3 You Need Not Be a Master of Ceremonies

Remember that on these occasions you need not be a master of ceremonies. It is better to be a casual host. Succeed with one guest at a time. Take it easy! All people, no matter how important or influential, like every other person who ever lived, need to be recognized. All people have a deep need to be loved, to feel that they are important to others.

2.4.4 Students in Rural Areas

If you live in a rural area and wish to make contact with other Hygienists for the express purpose of sharing thoughts on Life Science and your experiences with it but there are none within a radius of a few miles, you can still socialize in the manner stated with nonHygienists, non-students of Life Science.

One way to do this is to put an advertisement in the local newspaper and on various bulletin boards that may be available in your area to the effect that you are interested in forming a group or club for the purpose of studying natural methods of keeping fit. Be sure to give your name and telephone number.

You may have many calls and perhaps only a few. The number is not important. The idea is to start a group and build numbers because the group is friendly and the subjects discussed both interesting and informative. As the group becomes better acquainted, the other ideas suggested in this course may be introduced and implemented.

Additionally, each student has received a list of names and addresses of fellow students of Life Science. From this list, select a few names of persons who live in your part of the country or even elsewhere, if you choose. Introduce yourself by letter. Tell other students frankly that you would like to correspond with them so you can possibly support them and that you know they can help you. You may be fortunate and find a real friend, one who is eager to share knowledge, personal experiences and concerns.

After contact by letter has been made and you become better acquainted you may even wish to use the telephone for instant give and take of ideas and counsel.

For your mini-groups you can use the information learned in this course to formulate your own basic course of instruction of Life Science for the benefit of your friends. You can purchase tapes by practitioners on various subjects. Each member of the group can be encouraged to participate by purchasing a tape of their own and sharing with the other members of the group.