March 27 - Building a Thriving Community

We all crave that sense of belonging, that feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Communities – online or off – offer a powerful antidote to isolation and a chance to connect with people who share our passions. But how do we cultivate this amazing force in our lives?

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Building a community isn't like flipping a switch – it takes time and effort.  Think of it like planting a garden. You wouldn't just toss some seeds in the dirt and expect roses to bloom overnight, right? You need to nurture that garden, provide the right environment, and watch it slowly flourish.

Step 1: Find Common Ground

The first step is identifying that shared interest or purpose. It could be anything that sparks your passion – from Star Trek trivia to creating crocheted art. This common ground is the fertile soil where your community will grow.

Step 2: Foster Open Communication

Once you've got your core group, open communication is key. Imagine a party where everyone's just standing around awkwardly. Not exactly the vibe we're going for, right?  Encourage conversation, share ideas, and create a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves.

Step 3: Build Bridges: Shared Experiences

John O'Leary, in his book In Awe, talks about the power of shared experiences. He explains that when we see others dancing or participating in a ritual, it can literally shift our brainwaves and break down barriers. Think about it – that's the magic of an audience cheering together at a concert or a celebration of life focused on mourning that friend, father, brother, husband that we all saw in different ways, but all loved and will miss.  These experiences create a sense of "collective effervescence," as O'Leary calls it, where we feel a powerful connection to one another.

Step 4: Encouraging Participation

Steve Ledder, in For You When I Am Gone, reminds us that "we often forget about the important treasures we have to give."  Your community thrives when everyone participates. Share your knowledge, offer your unique perspective, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Remember, as Becca Piastrelli says in Root and Ritual, "All of us belong to each other."

Just like that garden, your community will evolve. As Piastrelli points out, "As we grow and develop in life, so does our desire to shift the tone and depth of our relationships."  Be open to change, embrace new ideas, and remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach.  As Julie Smith says in Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, "There is no perfect...amount and type of social interaction."

“We need to achieve a different way of life. A lifestyle in which ‘doing’, rather than ‘being’ is key. The things we experience ensure a sense of connection. They often bring us closer to other people and that makes us happy.” James Wallman

Building a community is a journey, and the rewards are immense. So, take that first step, nurture your connections, and watch your community blossom! Remember, we all crave connection, and as Piastrelli reminds us, "Even with this understanding...it can be difficult to accomplish that as an adult." But it's not impossible. Let's build those bridges, share our gifts, and find a sense of belonging together. After all, as the saying goes, "no man is an island." We all need a community to thrive.

Online Forum: Create or join an online forum or social media group where community members can connect, share resources, and engage in discussions about shared interests.

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.