Thriving Together: Essentials of a Healthy Community

Natural Awakenings, an online and printed publication, featured this article in its August 2024 edition. Published by Ariana Rawls Fine, the Central-Eastern Connecticut edition of Natural Awakenings included the article on pages 22-23. More details can be found at Natural Awakenings Central-Eastern Connecticut August 2024.

Do you wonder where you should go to fill the “emptiness” you feel? 

Community is a powerful gathering; when you spend time learning what it is and what you need, you will thrive. The significance of community cannot be overstated. It is part of our lives, our tapestry of belonging. We are naturally wired to be with people that will support, expand and stretch us as well as help us feel safe and protected. However, our surroundings can change the power behind a healthy community. Learning to navigate and negotiate where you will be supported is essential to growth. 

As we dive into the power behind creating and being part of a community, let’s understand the definition of community. A community is a group of people who share common characteristics, interests, values and a sense of identity well as often living in a defined geographical area. However, it’s the shared experiences that truly bind a community together. 

These experiences create a sense of connection and empathy among community members. Communities can be based on various factors such as location, culture, profession, interests or shared experiences. Community members interact with one another, support each other and work together towards common goals. The concept of community encompasses social bonds and the physical or virtual spaces where people come together to connect and collaborate.

Knowing the aspects helps you engage more effectively with communities, whether seeking to join, lead or understand them. By recognizing the existence of various cultural and ethnic communities, you can work to ensure that your initiatives are inclusive and considerate of different backgrounds. When we think about finding the right fit, this helps find a community that aligns with your preferences, no matter what community you seek to participate in. 

Types of Communities 

Thinking about the type of community first will help you seek and find what is the best fit. Start with thinking about where you are missing something, or a gap in your personal or professional life. Some of the types are: 

• Geographical: Communities that focus on your surroundings, your neighborhoods, cities or towns, or a region that interests you. 
• Interest-Based: Communities centered around shared hobbies such as gardening, knitting, sports (i.e., pickle ball), a certain team, activity or a book club. 
• Professional: Communities focused on industry associations like the American Medical Association or the Insurance Agent Association, networking groups like chambers of commerce, or trade unions.
•  Cultural and Ethnic: Groups and communities sharing the same cultural heritage, transitions and practices.
•  Religious and Spiritual Communities: These communities are made up of churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and groups that promote spiritual growth and community service. 
• Support: Communities that include support groups for personal issues and communities for social, political or environmental issues. 
• Educational: Communities that consist of schools and universities for students, teachers and staff as well as alumni associations for graduates to stay connected.
• Environmental: Communities focused on sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
•  Intentional: Communities designed with shared spaces and resources to foster close relationships or groups of people living together and sharing responsibilities and resources. 

Discernment of Your Needs 

Depending on what you are looking for, there is a community that will fit your need if you are open to searching for the right fit. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find the right one. 

By focusing on the need and how much you want to give and receive, there are some questions to consider.

• Are you looking for a place that holds you accountable and aligns with what you need for your spiritual, personal, creative and professional mind? 
• Is this a place to build effective relationships? 
• How could you pursue your personal growth as part of this community? 
• Are you going to be contributing to a common goal? 
• Will you share your knowledge there and learn from others? 
• Is there a common thread in supporting shared interests? 

When you join a community, it is not something you just jump into. Pause and discover what you are looking for and ensure it matches what you want to be involved in. The community will become an important part of your life when you truly connect with the purpose. Being a member can be amazing! 

Creating Your Own Community 

Joining a community enriches your life by connecting you with others, providing support and fostering growth. Creating your own community can also be a powerful way to unite people, address specific issues, and promote shared interests or goals. 

If you are searching for a community and can’t find the right fit, maybe starting a community will fill your gap. Starting a community allows you to focus on a passion or cause you care deeply about. You can create a space for like-minded individuals to connect, collaborate and support each other. 

What are the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) related to your community idea? If you feel this is your calling, do a SWOT around the decision. Then start having conversations with others who your community will support. This can be an exciting opportunity for you. Stay aware of your needs, others and time commitments to align with your community mission. 

Why Be Involved 

Communities are the threads that weave our lives together. They offer a refuge where we can share our joys and sorrows, find guidance, and build lasting friendships. Whether you are seeking to join a group that resonates with your passions or considering starting your own, the emotional rewards are immense. Being part of a community nurtures our souls while creating one allows us to share our light and make a difference in the lives of others. 

Happy belonging! 

Pamela Drzewiecki works with clients in her Powerful Purpose life and business coaching practice and inside the Purpose Den community, which are platforms for women to share, grow and aspire to their best lives. Connect on https://calendly.com/powerful/letsconnect