Finding the Community You Want

"Keep in mind that our community is not composed of those who are already saints....Therefore let us be extremely patient with each other's faults and failures." - Mother Teresa

Our westernized world has shifted from a village mindset to a state of shared isolation, such that disconnectedness is a common problem. Community is life's puzzle piece that can sustain the emotional and spiritual tapestries of extended family and kindred-spirits, while creating in the physical.

Community honors the individual while offering a sense of Oneness that transcends. All people are affected by the actions of communities, whether the writing of the US Constitution or the help of a neighbor during crisis. Communities support actions with passion behind them and it's important that we honor our passions! Each is responsible for creating the community desired, but some find difficulty in taking steps. Communities are waiting to be called together!...by

Defining the passion. From as simple as, "I love movies," to as involved as, "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony." Community can take infinite forms- anything on the spectrum from walking buddies to the global community we all share in. It can be an activity or discussion group, a performance ensemble, a social change movement or swap meet. It's not all about 60s housing experiments.

Declaring an intention. "I'm finding movie pals." The key is our intention. An intentional community is one that consciously forms and/ or sustains itself. The clearer one is, to oneself and others, about what is wanted, the easier the situation will manifest in the physical as it's wanted.

Finding others. Post on bulletin boards. Tell everyone! The passion is that which draws together. Like attracts like, as the passion magnetizes connections.

Defining the group. "We meet 1st Mondays to watch and discuss movies at someone's house." Setting the who, when and where, and group life span will energetically make it happen. "I'll call you or you call me" will deplete the energy.

Making it sustainable. "Before each movie, we check in with each other." Creating guidelines for everything important to the group will keep it happening.

Live and let live. Be patient and forgiving. Community is interaction and self-discovery. It is an organism of learning and healing, as the group allows it!

If it's something bigger one is called to do, like trying a new sport, addressing a city problem, or finding others who share a discreet issue, then one must be clear with one's intentions, so all efforts communicate that intention. This type of energy is contagious and will attract the right others.

Declaring what one wants magnetizes those in that "community" together.