March 26 - That Feeling of Belonging: Why Community is a Human Necessity

Community. Just saying the word conjures up warm feelings, right? It makes you think of cozy gatherings, shared laughter, and a sense of being part of something bigger than yourself. But what exactly is a community?

“True genius is a collaborative process.” Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

Community is more than just sharing a zip code. A community is a group of people who share something in common. It could be a love of yacht rock, a passion for social justice, or simply living on the same street.  The key is that feeling of connection – knowing there are others who get you, who support you, and who are there to celebrate your victories (and commiserate with your losses).

Think about it: online forums buzzing with passionate discussions, local book clubs dissecting the latest bestseller, or even a friendly neighborhood Facebook group – these are all communities, big and small.  In a world that can sometimes feel isolating, they offer a powerful antidote: a sense of belonging.

“Life is intrinsically a communal effort.” Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

Even though sometimes I can feel overwhelmed by too much human interaction, such as at a crowded theme park, I still come back to needing “my people”. As Becca Piastrelli, author of Root and Ritual, points out, "This age we're in...is different from anything that's come before. Since the dawn of human existence, we have been social creatures that have depended on each other entirely for survival."  We are wired for connection.  Psychologist Molly Maloof puts it perfectly, "We need closeness and security to grow and flourish. The more we love, the less we fear."

How do we tap into this basic human need in a world that seems increasingly fragmented?  How do you find your tribe in this modern world? The good news is, communities are everywhere – you just have to know where to look.  Maybe it's joining a local volunteer group, taking a class on a topic you're interested in, offering a compliment to a stranger or even striking up a conversation with someone while waiting in line.

Think about what makes you tick, what sparks your curiosity, and what kind of people you'd like to surround yourself with.  Then, take a step outside your comfort zone and explore the possibilities.  Remember, “The craving to be surrounded and supported by 'the village' we've read about in times past is so resonant in our hearts today," as Piastrelli says.

Finding your community isn't just about what you get out of it.  It's also about what you contribute.  Being a part of something bigger means showing up, lending a hand, and offering your unique perspective.  The best communities are those where the energy flows both ways, where everyone feels valued and supported.

You might be surprised just how much a sense of community can enrich your life. As Emile Durkheim, the sociologist, talked about, being part of a community creates a sense of "collective effervescence" – that feeling of buzzing with a shared energy that makes us feel more connected and alive.

Remember, as Becca Piastrelli remarked, "As this planet continues to evolve, we have an exciting opportunity to find creative ways to adapt... We keep finding a way back to each other." Let's make that journey together.

Journal Prompt: Describe what your ideal community would look like and how you can contribute to creating it. Reflect on the connections you have with others in your community and how those relationships enrich your life. Write about ways you can contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Set goals for building stronger connections within your community and brainstorm strategies for achieving them.

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.