The Power of Community

Let’s start with what community isn’t – isolation and seclusion. Merriam-Webster loosely defines isolation and seclusion as a voluntary or involuntary detachment from others. To be clear, this is different from solitude. We ALL need moments of solitude – a space where we can breathe, relax, reflect, and be safe. Even the most extroverted of us need these quiet, alone moments.

But sometimes our solitude becomes more than a moment…and starts turning into isolation and seclusion. It becomes a day, a week, a month, a year. This is especially true as we get older and structured peer groups (like school or work) don’t exist anymore.

The thing is humans are social creatures. We don’t do well in isolation or seclusion. Before we lived in large cities – or even towns and villages – we lived in small communities that were completely reliant and dependent upon each other for survival. The need for community is part of our evolutionary path.

There are a number of studies that suggest we are so hardwired as social creatures that our brains will send a signal when our social needs aren’t being met. Similar to being hungry (craving food) or thirsty (craving water), loneliness (craving interaction) is a sign we need connection.

The benefits of being socially engaged are significant as well. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, three major benefits of community include:

• A sense of belonging

• A sense of support

• A sense of purpose

We need community. We thrive in communities. We have better health in communities. Which begs the question – what is a community? I’m not a sociologist (but I play one on TV); however, I know that communities are complex and dynamic, and they come in all shapes and sizes: bridge groups, gaming groups, church, running clubs, book club, chess club, art classes, families, circle of friends, and so on.

As an aside, I also realize there are social groups and communities that focus on very dark aspects of our humanity. But almost to a T, members in those groups will tell you they felt like they found a place where they belonged, where they were accepted, where they had a sense of purpose, where they felt supported. The biological drive and need to be a part of something is incredibly strong. And incredibly human, even if it takes a negative turn.

There are many people in this world (and likely people in our social circles that we’re not even aware of) that feel lonely, isolated, and disconnected. You may even be one of them.

Lengthy solitude (isolation and seclusion) is biologically and fundamentally against our nature. We hunger for purpose, support, and belonging – and that comes through social interaction, which is the foundation of community. Being a part of a community is so powerful it actually improves our health – mental, physical, and spiritual. Just as important, community grounds us in our humanity.

Until next week.

Cheers,

Andy

(All written content created the old-fashioned way.)