In my experience, a community holds people together and provides a sense of belonging and identity. I get to know myself and get in touch with my thoughts and feelings through community activities, interactions, and conflicts. I personally thrive in community. It gives me a sense of purpose and an invitation to be involved, to share myself, and share love with others. Living in a community can generate a group mentality- a way of understanding how to live in the world, which doesn't necessarily mean that the members are not flexible to other ways of living.
For 6 years, I was part of a community in Eugene, Oregon, where like-minded individuals of all ages thrive on dancing, singing, being healthy in body, mind, and spirit; where they value sustainable and eco-conscious living, and support one another physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially, and spiritually. These values bond the community as solid glue. This community is open to welcoming new members and expanding the experience of a chosen family.
As a community, individuals discuss the impact of culture, conditioning, societal ideals, gender and sexuality norms, politics, religion, spirituality and health care. A community of people who feel passionate about reforming ways of living that are outdated is capable of creating great change for the betterment of people on an individual as well as a on a collective level, making communities intra as well as inter-connected. There can be tendencies of communities to isolate themselves from each other, but in my opinion, a community cannot isolate itself from the world at large, or from the dominant culture of that region, state, or country. In fact, most communities form as a response to the dominant culture, and create a 'sub-culture' of their own.
One of our main purposes here during this lifetime is to connect with one another from the heart and share our joys and troubles with each other. This provides a sense of safety, comfort, stimulation, and nourishment to thrive on, and it is a blessing to experience this, no matter which community you are a part of.
