Community

I recently visited some extended family members that I hadn't seen for a long time. It was nice to reminisce, go through old family photos, and catch up. We all enjoyed our time laughing, telling stories, and cooking food together. It reminded me of the theme of today's blog: community.

 

Merriam Webster defines "community" in many ways, but one stands out to me. "A social state or condition." We are social creatures, and thus need other people in our lives. Sometimes for guidance, sometimes for company, sometimes for safety, and sometimes for love. A healthy community includes those who derive joy from helping others to be happy.

 

A community can be as large as a country, or as small as a handful of friends. What binds members together can be varied, but its essence is to provide for the well-being of everyone. 

 

Merriam Webster also provides a few antonyms of community, namely conflict and loneliness. In large and small communities alike, conflict and loneliness can sometimes burden members.

 

Sometimes we feel the need to leave a community and find another. This might mean moving to a new place, connecting with people online, or striking up friendships with strangers. 

 

Even animals have communities to help them in life. 

 

 

I think a good mark of a mature community is when they can be cordial and peaceful towards other communities. I've read that chimpanzees are very warlike to outsiders, but bonobos are tolerant and pleasant towards other groups. I like to think that most humans strive to be more like bonobos than chimpanzees when it comes to how we treat others.

 

There is an old diner I used to go to when I was young. Diners and other local eateries are often wonderful places to experience the heartbeat of a community. The old diner from my youth is long closed down, and it now sits in a museum:

 

 

High in the Arctic Circle, there lies a mining town called Kiruna. At the welcoming train station, there is a monument to the communal spirit of the people there. Four workers carry a beam on their shoulders, connected (literally and figuratively) by their shared work ethic:

 

What kind of art sculptures are there where you live? What do their stories tell?

 

I am grateful to the many communities that I have had the pleasure of being a part of. Some were brief encounters, and some lasted a lifetime. One in particular is the community of board gamers. They have taught me a lot. I'm also thankful to the community of people who like reading and writing blogs. This particular blog is one way that I get to share some of my thoughts and all the photos I take. I hope it brings you some joy.

 

That's it for now. Until next time, may your community be filled with love and care.

 

 

-T