I am, by nature, an idealist.

In a world that often feels chaotic and unbalanced, my instinct is to look for hope — even when that creates a certain inner tension. It would be naïve, even foolish, to ignore the realities around us. As scripture reminds us, “the world’s equilibrium hath been upset”.

Many people feel this deeply: rising stress, isolation, chronic illness and a lingering sense of uncertainty about what comes next.

Yet it is precisely in moments like these that wellness matters most.

Bermuda, like much of the world, is experiencing a quiet but persistent population health crisis. Since the pandemic, indicators of mental, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing have declined. Many of us continue to feel the effects.

Chronic disease, stress, loneliness and unhealthy lifestyle patterns are not abstract issues — they show up in our families, our workplaces and our communities every day. While health systems work to address structural challenges, there is also an urgent need to support people in making healthier choices and sustaining them over time.

Wellness is more than the absence of illness. As defined by the Global Wellness Institute, it is “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a holistic state of wellbeing”. Crucially, wellness does not happen in isolation.

An old proverb captures this well: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Community support is essential to lasting behaviour change. Connection, encouragement and shared practice help make healthy choices not only possible, but sustainable.

When we focus on strengths rather than deficits, Bermuda reveals itself as a place of extraordinary wellness potential.

We have a stunning natural environment, fresh air, clean rainwater, simple living and a close-knit community. With equitable access and intentional use of these assets, Bermuda could aspire to be one of the world’s healthiest communities – we could transform ourselves into a “Blue Zone”, where healthy ageing and longevity are the norm.

This is not a fantasy. It is a realistic possibility if wellness is prioritised and supported at the community level, at the level of culture. We must become a health-promoting society.

That belief led to the creation of Bermuda Wellness Space in 2021.

Founded as a non-profit social enterprise by myself, my two adult daughters, and a small group of like-minded friends, Bermuda Wellness Space began as a virtual platform to foster an intentional community of wellness-seekers.

Over time, the organisation has evolved and refined its approach, strengthened by participation in the Ignite Bermuda accelerator programme and support from the Health Council’s Innovation Programme.

Our work has been shaped through collaboration with wellness practitioners, healthcare providers and public health professionals across the island — from mindfulness and yoga practitioners, to nutritionists, and complementary health professionals. My former colleagues at the Department of Health have been particularly instrumental in promoting our wellness vision.

Bermuda Wellness Space focuses on developing “grassroots communities of practice” that make wellness accessible, social and practical, and by advocating for tangible wellness incentives for those for whom finances are a barrier.

Through small, in-person BeWell Gatherings, we bring together community members and professionals to co-create simple, integrative wellness experiences. These gatherings explore five evidence-based wellness practices of Bauman Wellness: eating for health, joyful movement, mindfulness, healing relationships and soulful service.

Research shows that communities of practice are effective in fostering long-term adoption of healthy behaviours. BeWell Gatherings provide connection, accountability, and encouragement — elements many people need to stay engaged on their wellness journey.

Bermuda is at a pivotal moment. While we continue to address social determinants of health such as housing, education, access to care and socio-economic inequalities, there is much we can do individually and collectively to elevate our wellbeing.

Bermuda Wellness Space exists to help “make the healthy choice the easy choice” and to remind us that wellness is not a solitary pursuit. When we cultivate wellness together, we strengthen not only individual health but the resilience of our entire community.

A wellness paradise is not built overnight - but it can be built, together.

∙ Cheryl Peek-Ball, MD, MPH is co-founder and executive director, Bermuda Wellness Space. This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective campaign co-ordinated by the Non-Profit Alliance of Bermuda. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s non-profit sector