Benedictine Friends host ‘Galentine’s’ Day festivities
Monastic members and Bennies gathered to hear Carol Bruess speak about friendship.
On Monday, members of Benedictine Friends gathered for a speech by Carol Bruess highlighting the impact of human connection, particularly among women, on physical and mental health in honor of ‘Galentine’s Day.’
Benedictine Friends is a program that aims to connect CSB students with St. Ben’s sisters. Students in the program are paired with a sister of the Order of St. Benedict and get the chance to meet with them multiple times throughout the semester for fellowship and friendship.
Elizabeth Hamak, student vice president of Benedictine Friends, noted the long-lasting impact these connections have on Bennies.
“Bennies have shared over time just how impactful and important these relationships have been through their college experience, and many keep in touch long after they graduate,” Hamak said.
After a recent meeting to plan this past month’s event, the team realized that Bruess’ expertise and energy would be the perfect fit for the event.
“We always try to have some sort of speaker or message, even if it’s short,” Hamak said. “We knew Carol would put together something great.”
The idea to hold a ‘Galentine’s Day’ theme came from the desire to focus on strengthening friendships between one another by pointing out the scientific significance of female friendships.
Bruess’s presentation delved into various studies, including the renowned Harvard Study of Adult Development and the Harvard Nurses’ Study, shedding light on the health benefits associated with social integration and meaningful connections. According to Bruess, these studies have revealed that individuals surrounded by strong social networks, especially tight-knit circles of female friends, are likely to live longer.
“Your greatest superhuman superpower is this notion of human connection,” Bruess said.
The presentation highlighted the findings of Dr. Robert Waldinger’s celebrated TED Talk, which shared the correlation between the quality of relationships and overall well-being. As the research revealed, the depth and authenticity of our connections exert an influence on physical health, emotional resilience and overall life satisfaction.
Furthermore, Bruess discussed the effects of loneliness, which is a significant risk factor for a myriad of health conditions. Studies shared by Bruess have linked loneliness to increased inflammation, heightened stress reactivity and a heightened susceptibility to a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke and dementia.
The presentation also addressed the detrimental impact of contemptuous relationships, where expressions of disdain and hostility can erode the fabric of interpersonal connections. Bruess underscored the importance of fostering positive interactions and minimizing negative behaviors to cultivate thriving relationships. In closing, Bruess implored attendees to prioritize human connections and invest in the cultivation of meaningful relationships.
“Your sisterhood is significantly changing your life and everyone that you encounter,” Bruess said.
Hamak noted that the event drew on the importance of the love we share in friendships.
“It’s important to remember how at our school, we have a unique and very special relationship with those around us. These relationships don’t end in the classroom or dorm halls but extend as far as the monastery too,” Hamak said. “Learning the science behind why [friends are] important will hopefully help us to appreciate them more, no matter what season of life they may be in.”