On community

“The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.” – Goethe

Happy Friday, beautiful people.

This week, I’m reflecting on community. On Tuesday, I attended a concert for the long performing rock band Cake. Given their tenure and large discography - the experience was different than many. No opening band performed - instead the audience was treated to nearly two hours of continuous play. The lead singer encouraged audience participation, splitting the crowd into two and conducting us to bolster choruses. The spirit of good will was pervasive; I have no doubt everyone left with elevated spirits - how else can you explain the almost unanimous courtesy shown to each other as we merged into a single line to leave the parking lot? (No horns! No one cutting each other off!)

When we traditionally hear “community”, I believe most think of a static entity - formed by blood (family) or geography (neighborhood).

But community can also form spontaneously at an event - a concert, a baseball game, a protest. When people come together and share something - a belief, an experience, a meal - community exists.

Community also arises from need - something I am seeing very clearly as my mother moves through cancer treatment. The way individuals from her many life spheres - from church, from work, from family, from the neighborhood - are showing up and gathering together is inspiring to watch. My mother is a humble woman and I know she has been touched to watch as members from these varied groups coalesce to focus on her and our family.

It can be easy to draw lines and say “this is my community and that is not.” I would challenge you to hold the identity a little more loosely so that you don’t miss opportunities to participate in a spontaneous community. You may be surprised with whom you connect.

Be well (and stay cool)!