Discovering the Power of Community!

I found myself contemplating Community again this month, you may recall I had a blog in March about Community and Spirituality. There are two reasons I was thinking about it further this month and one was because I was at Sisterhood Summit, a one day event, with Polka Dot Powerhouse.

The overall theme was being more of YOU and Community. One of the activities was to draw or write down what community means to you and then we were to share with those at our table. Initially I was in the back of the room supporting the speaker while discussing this activity so I hadn’t wrote or drawn anything. However when I did sit down as they shared their stories or what they had written down I was inspired. So many wonderful shares! One member talked about how she sees the Dot Community as a Harvest. We each have our own garden we are mending too (our life and business) but Dots is a full field where there is enough for everyone, where everyone helps and then celebrates the harvest! I absolutely loved this and then thought about the ocean. How vast, powerful and healing it is for me. So I started drawing - now I didn’t have much time before this activity shifted - so don’t laugh at this drawing 😂

I was curious, you know me, what does the ocean and community share for similarities, when it comes to healing? I know I love the sound, smell and simply watching the movement.

Here is what I discovered:

1. Nourishment: Just as the ocean provides sustenance and nutrients to marine life, communities can offer emotional support, understanding, and empathy, which are essential for healing. Being part of a supportive community can nourish individuals' mental and emotional wellbeing.

2. Cleansing: The ocean has a cleansing effect, washing away debris and impurities. Similarly, communities can provide a cleansing environment where individuals can release their burdens, worries, and emotional baggage through sharing and communication. This process can be therapeutic and aid in healing.

3. Connection: The ocean connects different parts of the world, and similarly, communities connect individuals with each other. Connection is vital for healing because it reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

4. Renewal: Just as the ocean constantly renews itself through tides and currents, communities offer opportunities for renewal and growth. In a supportive community, individuals can find encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to overcome challenges and embark on a journey of personal healing and development.

5. Complexity and Depth: The ocean is vast, deep, and full of complexity, much like the diversity and depth found within communities. Within a community, individuals encounter different perspectives, experiences, and insights, which contribute to a richer understanding of themselves and others, promoting healing through increased awareness and empathy.

6. Adaptability: The ocean exhibits adaptability in the face of changing conditions, and communities often do the same. In times of crisis or adversity, communities can come together to support one another, demonstrating resilience and the capacity to adapt to new circumstances, which is essential for collective healing.

Overall, both facilitate healing through nourishment, cleansing, connection, renewal, complexity, and adaptability. They provide spaces where individuals can find solace, support, and growth on their healing journeys. YES 🙌 and this all makes perfect sense to me AND why I love the ocean and belonging in community!! And there is still the second reason I started thinking about community…. read more here.

In case you like to see the real 🌊 ❤️