Let yourself be inspired by others
I love the way Maya Angelou saw people, as noted in her poem Human Family. “I note the obvious differences in the human family. Some of us are serious, some thrive on comedy … I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
Those snippets of her poem got me thinking. Who doesn’t need community?
In a big, busy, often scary or intimidating world, a sense of community can feel safe and comforting. Most of us are blessed to be a part of many small communities in our own lives. There are various definitions of community. For me, it’s simply a feeling of fellowship with other humans, often due to the sharing of values, feelings, work, goals or interests.
Community is foundational, essential. Everyone needs people who encourage, listen to and cry with them. Community offers so many gifts that enrich our lives. It provides hope and support in times of pain and uncertainty.
Life without community would be really lonely. We all need people to call, to spend time with, to have fun with, to help us in crisis. People who give us a safe place to be ourselves.
I find it heartwarming to be in the community of Canadians when I travel. I find often that we warm, polite, helpful Canadians find one another wherever we are, with a bit of a sigh of relief!
When you have a family member in the hospital, make sure you are open to the sense of community you’ll find around you. Families bond, support one another, and share their pain and fear. You can feel so much less alone if you open up to that temporary community.
My parents live in the little community that is Willoughby Manor. Everyone leaves their door open, and when you walk in there is a sense of family. It’s a place of safety and comfort and closeness.
I live in a small condo community. The neighbours look out for one another, and there’s a feeling of security and common ground. A lot of us are of similar age, and the friendly greetings across the driveways and the willing help when needed feels really good.
Growing up, my family belonged to the community that was Kitchener Street United Church. This was an extraordinary experience, though I didn’t truly realize it until I was an adult.
In this little community we learned, we grew, we found friendships that would last a lifetime, we learned how to be a volunteer, and we learned to respect and value all people.
Consider the community that has evolved at the Niagara Falls Humane Society cat adoption centre at Niagara Square. A team of 40 volunteers runs that service, believing in the cause of animal welfare, supporting and caring for the animals, the humane society and each other.
There is a huge community of caring among animal lovers. I remember the outpouring of love and support when my beloved little dog Baby died, and the advice and empathy I received while she was sick and we were all suffering.
I find the community I have encountered in my spiritual journey to be endlessly supportive and energizing. Finding like-minded people who accept me for the wonky human I am, and who are patient and giving guides has been endlessly good for my soul.
Community is all about growing with others. I’m blessed to have some wise, gentle friends who are my guides and teachers. I sometimes feel that we are a tiny, safe community.
There’s something indescribably lovely about being part of something shared, something substantial and safe and growing. Community is life-altering.
In a recent Book of Awakenings reading, I liked this line: “Allow what touches you to change your path.”
Allowing ourselves to be moved by, and inspired by other people does change us and helps us grow. Being a giving, sharing part of a community helps us to have understanding and compassion for others, and gives us a soft place to land.
… we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.