April 1 - Building a Brighter Future, Together As a Community

“There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy, we sow anonymous benefits upon the world.” Robert Louis Stevenson

As we reach the end of this journey exploring the power of community, I can't help but feel a surge of hope.  We've delved into the science behind connection, the emotional support it offers, and the sense of belonging it fosters. But what truly resonates is the potential for positive change that lies within each of us, as community builders.

Dacher Keltner, in his book Awe, reminds us that feeling a sense of awe "heightens our awareness of being part of a community," allowing us to see our individual struggles within a larger context.  Imagine us all, connected by invisible threads, each facing our own challenges, yet lifted by the collective spirit of shared humanity.  When we build communities, we create a safety net where anxieties can lessen and hope can take root.

“There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.” Idowu Koyenikan

Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant, in Option B, beautifully capture the essence of human connection: "We find our humanity – our will to live and our ability to love – in our connections to one another."  These connections are the lifeblood of a fulfilling life. When we share experiences, both joyful and difficult, with others who understand and care, we find strength and resilience we wouldn't have possessed alone. Our laughter echoes a little louder, our tears dry a little faster, and the burdens we carry feel lighter when shared with a supportive community.

The world can feel isolating at times. We scroll through feeds filled with curated perfection and carefully crafted online personas. Becca Piastrelli, in Root and Ritual, urges us to "unwind the knots that have prevented intimate connection in our lives." Let's bridge the gaps, step outside our comfort zones, and actively seek connection. Join a club, volunteer your time, strike up a conversation with someone new at the park. Each act of connection is like a single star, twinkling brightly in the night sky. Though each star may seem small, together they illuminate the vast expanse, creating a sense of wonder and connection that represents the power of community.

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” Andrew Carnegie

Remember, the power to build a brighter future doesn't lie solely with grand gestures or societal revolutions. It starts with you, with me, with each of us reaching out and forming connections. As we foster a sense of belonging and support within our communities, a beautiful ripple effect begins. Kindness begets kindness, empathy breeds understanding, and the sense of shared purpose strengthens our resolve to create a more united world.

So, let's go forth, armed with the knowledge of the power of community. Let's embrace vulnerability, celebrate diversity, and actively connect with those around us.  Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, supported, and understood. It's a future worth building, one connection at a time.

Remember, the key to shared awe is a sense of collective wonder. Choose activities that spark curiosity, inspire reflection, and leave you and your community feeling connected to something bigger than yourselves.

Activities that inspire shared awe:

Take a challenging group fitness class: Push yourselves physically and mentally through a group workout class. The shared experience of exertion and accomplishment can be a powerful bonding experience.

Participate in an escape room challenge: Work together to solve puzzles and escape a themed room. This collaborative experience can be suspenseful, challenging, and ultimately create a sense of shared achievement.

Visit historical landmarks or museums: Explore monuments, historical sites, or museums dedicated to human achievement. Reflect on the ingenuity and perseverance of those who came before us.

Attend a cultural celebration: Immerse yourselves in a cultural festival or celebration. Experience traditions, music, and art from different cultures and appreciate the richness of human diversity.

Attend a concert or a live performance: The shared experience of music, dance, or theatre can create a powerful feeling of awe and connection.

Visit an art museum or gallery: Immerse yourselves in breathtaking works of art, discuss what you see, and appreciate the beauty and creativity of human expression.

Hike to a breathtaking vista: Witnessing a panoramic view from a mountaintop, a vast desert landscape, or a powerful waterfall can evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

Stargaze together: Look for a place with minimal light pollution and gaze at the night sky. Explore constellations, identify planets, and marvel at the sheer vastness of the universe.

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.