Creating Community
May 2006

“There can be no vulnerability without risk;
there can be no community without vulnerability;
there can be no peace, and ultimately no life,
without community.” 
M. Scott Peck

The concept of a neighborhood block party or the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child,” are becoming foreign notions.  How well do you know your neighbors?  What kind of connection do you have with one another?  Especially with close family structure taking a backseat to adventure and travel, we’re sliding towards a society steeped in isolation, starving for community and connection.

The Lure of Isolation
At our core we all desire to be loved and accepted.  We all seek self-expression and to be “seen” as we truly are, to feel the freedom to simply be.  For whatever reason, whether wanting privacy or being “busy,” there’s been a slow retreat inside our homes and ourselves.  We have the delusion that somehow it is easier.  Ironically, the isolation insulates us from potentially supportive relationships, leaving a void that’s nearly impossible to fill.

As depression rates and its pharmaceutical treatments rise, we overlook a potential solution right under our noses: community.

What is Your Community?
We all are part of a community, consciously or unconsciously.  Who are the people you surround yourself with?  How much do you share your true self with them?  Your community may be coworkers and family.  It could be a party crowd or a church crowd.  It could be primarily inanimate—TV, computer, radio, information.  Does it uplift you?

Your community begins with you.  It requires you to “get conscious” about who you are, who you want to be and who/what most supports you.  It calls you to come out of hiding, both literally and figuratively.

What types of people inspire you and where do they spend time?  You can simply spend time with whomever is around, taking time to know them and see what’s there.  Or you can seek people out on purpose, inviting opportunity for inspiration and freedom through connecting with those of shared vision.

Fostering Richer Communities
It takes effort.  And yet, the rewards are invaluable.  Being in community with people who share a similar vision, who are positive, accepting, kind and generous, is both like a sigh of relief and jolt of energy.  Ah, to be accepted, connected, loved!  Enlivening

Releasing judgment is paramount.  Judgment separates us from one another and is illusion made real.  We simply cannot know a person based on their appearance, or often from their actions.  Don’t you ever play a role, acting a certain way to blend in?  Who’s to say we’re not all doing that on some level?  What would it take to search for similarities, to drop the walls and invite another “in?”  How free might you be?

Reach out today. Set your intention to meet people who inspire you. (Often simply “deciding” what you want, will attract the ideal people into your life.)  Have a neighborhood party or host an event of people whom you admire.  Trade shallow conversation for discussing things that are important to you…things you are passionate about.  Remain open.  As you accept others, you’ll likely be met with similar acceptance.

Resist the temptation to isolate, rather stretch beyond its protective cocoon.  Invite people into your life intentionally, especially those who enliven you.  Dispose of judgment that separates you from others.  Allow community into your life or expand it more sincerely.  What would it be like if you felt your life couldn’t be richer with love, acceptance, and inspiration simply by immersing in an uplifting community?

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