Our world is slowly becoming a lonelier place. Social isolation is on the rise and more people are reporting in surveys that they have fewer meaningful relationships. And yet we know how important community is to both our physical health and mental health. But how do we create it?In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, host Dhru Purohit interviews Dr. Michelle Peris about the power of community and ritual, and how we can create more connection in our world to improve our overall health.Dr. Michelle Peris is the founder of The Poppy Clinic based in Toronto and the creator of Rebel Tribe, a community based health initiative designed to bring more connection into the lives of women.Dhru and Dr. Peris cover a bunch of topics including the impact that community, and the lack of it, has on our brain, the root factors taking place today that are driving disconnection, and how purposeful friendships can dramatically improve our health. In this episode, we dive into: -Dr. Peris’s origin story (5:30)-How our brains are wired for connection (8:20)-Why community is so important for our health (10:26)-Dr. Peris explains how lack of community impacts her patient's health (13:30)-What are the root issues that are driving us to become more isolated today? (15:20)-Dr. Peris talks about the importance of rituals in our modern society and the inspiration we can take from her Rebel Tribe (20:30)-What are practical tips on building community and connection? (26:00)-A few examples of how community has helped Dr. Peris's patients (32:15)-How Dr. Peris helps women better understand their health and the unique challenges they go through (36:20)-Addressing the toxic nature of unnecessary guilt and its impact on women's health (41:13)-How our friends can help us in our healing journey (42:54)-Dr. Peris talks about honoring the natural cycles that women go through (45:30)-Where to find Dr. Peris and learn more about her work (52:44)