The Power of Community

In recent years, we have had to redefine what “community” means and how we cultivate it. We’ve learned (and may still be learning) to be gentle with ourselves as we re-emerge into society after sheltering in place and being more isolated during the Pandemic years. We’ve had to adapt to different norms as we deal with emotional complexities that emerge right on the surface of our everyday interactions. And we’ve largely been thrown into doing this together (even if we are still remote working and rocking those yoga pants on Zoom meetings).

Through it all, I’ve seen how we stand strong because of the relationships we’ve developed and re-developed: Our community. The people that are there for us through the uncertain and scary times. Whether they are natural family or the closest of friends, these are the people that provide a sense of belonging that holds our lives together, no matter the circumstances.

This month we’re focusing on the value of community to celebrate and honor these powerful relationships. If you desire deeper connections and are craving more purpose and significance in your interactions, then join us as we explore the power of community and how to cultivate more belonging in your life.

Find Your Tribe

Our life is built on finding significance and belonging. We need to need each other. That’s the power of community.  For some, it’s a close-knit family. For others, it’s a group of friends that forge a bond closer than blood. It’s our tribe. Our people.

But what if you haven’t found these people yet or your family relationships are strained?

In Brené Brown’s recent book, Braving the Wilderness, she explores the paradigm of true belonging and highlights the courage it takes to stand alone instead of hustling to simply fit in. 

Brown shares: "As it turns out, men and women who have the deepest sense of true belonging are people who also have the courage to stand alone when called to do that. They are willing to maintain their integrity and risk disconnection in order to stand up for what they believe in.” Other times, unforeseen circumstances force a physical distancing and we must learn how to use this solitude to stand strong.

While feeling disconnected and alone (and maybe even with people we would not have chosen to be quarantined with 24/7), we must maintain our integrity and stand strongly rooted in our core values. They forge connections from this grounded place as they seek like-minded community.

When you choose to simply fit in or check out instead of pursuing true belonging, you often sell out on what matters most as you change yourself for the situation.

When you have the courage to stand in your integrity instead, you may be alone for a while, but also create the space to find your tribe.

Life can feel downright lonely. Which is why forging authentic relationships and connections are essential when finding your tribe. As a working mom, there are days that feel so full of everything from loads of laundry to designing marketing strategy that I need others who get it and can champion me when I’m stuck or feeling isolated. I’m selective in the types of people who are in my tribe so I can build the type of community I want my children to grow up in.  

What areas are you trying to “fit in”?

What values are you selling out on?

How have you sought out people who share your values so you can find your tribe?

What’s one thing you can do better as you seek genuine belonging?

Build Your Community

In recent years, we've seen examples of true connection and service in its rawest and realest form as we all face this global pandemic and the uncertain future that we faced. While there was more physical and social distance, we also found more opportunities for genuine connection in a time of profound change.

Neighbors virtually coordinating with each other to obtain necessary goods.

Strangers willing to pick up groceries and supplies for elderly community members.

Monetary contributions collected for essential and frontline workers who are tirelessly serving.

People reaching out over barriers to care for other people as they strengthen the community even more.

This is the very essence of true community: to meet each other where we are at and show up together to make a difference.

And there are days (and weeks) that feel heavy and hard. Some days, I just wanted to crawl back under the covers to be shielded by the warmth and security that the darkness and stillness offers. To be alone. Unbothered. To cry. To rest. To heal.

You may also have tried to isolate yourself when life feels like it’s too much. Yet the desire to shrink and hide only makes us play small and eliminates the beautiful opportunity we have to influence and serve our community, even when we’re hurting.

We are not made to exist in isolation. Every single person needs connection, encouragement, and relationships to enrich our lives and so we can contribute on a broader level. We need community. We realize this now more than ever.

Life does not happen while we’re hiding. It happens when we choose to show up, despite the circumstances. Pull off the covers and start where you are.

Be part of something bigger than yourself.

I can’t, but we can.