I recently finished a 3-day intensive with Maestra Rita of the Otomi Indigenous community of Metaxi, Mexico about Curandismo: The Art of Mexican Folk Healing. It was powerful, potent and life-affirming. I got hands-on experience in ceremonies and rituals and witnessed emotional healing on a profound level. I realized as we joined in song to help others move through their pain, that this is what it’s all about – community!
Haven’t you ever felt lost, alone, and like you just don’t quite fit in? We’ve all been there. We try different things to meet new people and join different groups, but we still can’t seem to find quite where we fit. And oftentimes, we wonder what’s wrong with us.
The truth is, you’re not missing anything at all. You’re just missing being part of a community.
Humans are social creatures by nature. For thousands of years, we’ve lived in tribes and communities. It’s only recently that we’ve become a society of individuals who are expected to do everything alone. But the truth is, we were never meant to be without a tribe.
Together, we find healing, our shared stories give us hope, and we become whole when we work together. We become seen through the eyes of others.
Why we all need a tribe
There are countless benefits to being part of a community. Here are some of my favorites:
1. We Find Healing
When we open up and share our stories with others, we find healing. There’s power in sharing our pain with those who have gone through similar experiences. In community, we realize that we’re not alone in our struggles and that there’s hope for healing and growth.
2. We Become More Connected
In a community, we have the opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. We can be ourselves without judgment and form meaningful relationships with those around us. When we feel connected to others, our sense of belonging increases and we feel more supported.
3. We Grow Together
We can grow together both spiritually and emotionally. We learn from each other and offer support through life’s ups and downs. A community provides a space for us to stretch ourselves and explore new things with the safety net of others around us. Having people around us who understand what we’re going through can make all the difference in the world.
3. We Teach Each Other
Being part of a community allows us to share our gifts with others. When we’re part of a group, we’re able to use our unique talents and abilities to contribute to something greater than ourselves. This not only benefits those around us, but it also helps us to feel good about ourselves and see our place in the world.
How to find your peeps
If you’re feeling like something is missing in your life, be proactive in finding your people! See what’s already available in your local community, or create a circle of your own. You can find a meet-up group in one of your interests, or create a gathering of what you want to explore. If you’re interested, I bet others will be too.
Talk about the real parts of life – the ups and downs, the struggles, the grief. Being vulnerable and showing emotions are what build bonds between people. Life is not all sunshine and roses, and it’s okay to talk about it.
Remember: It’s in the darker times when we seek assurance and support, and we can only get there if we’re willing to be fully seen.
This past weekend of learning and healing reaffirmed why I’m passionate about my work. I see the potential in each woman I meet, and I want her to see how amazing she is too. When we gather, we create our own tribe, and we can get through anything together.
I hope you’ll consider joining me some time.
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