July 31, 2024

Good morning, my beautiful humans! Can you believe it's already the end of July? How did this month manage to feel like the shortest and longest month at the same time, or is that just me?!

Okay so, I've been totally absorbed in this book, “The Practice of Groundedness - A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds - Not Crushes - Your Soul” by Brad Stulberg. I can't recommend it enough. Chapter 8, in particular, is all about building a deep sense of community, and Brad compares community to redwood trees. When I read it, I knew it was going to be the quote this week. You might be thinking, where is this going… I think she has officially lost it, but stay with me! He starts the chapter by saying:

“The roots that support these massive redwoods run only six to twelve feet deep. Instead of growing downward, they grow outward, extending hundreds of feet laterally, wrapping themselves around the roots of their neighbors. When rough weather comes, it is this expansive network of closely intertwined roots that supports the trees’ ability to stand strong as individuals. There is much we can learn from the redwoods. We, too, are meant to be part of a network that is larger than us. We, too, thrive in collectives. We, too, are most grounded when we are enmeshed in tightly knit communities.” Brad Stulberg ✨

It really got me thinking about how crucial community is in our lives and how we don’t talk about it enough. Just like those redwoods, we need a strong network to support us through life's storms. Being part of a community helps combat loneliness, lifts us up, and motivates us. Surrounding ourselves with inspiring individuals who share the same passions and values help shape who we are and gives us a profound sense of belonging.

Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows; sometimes, it feels like a downpour that just won't quit. That's when having a solid community can make all the difference. Think about it: when you're going through a tough time, having people around who understand and support you can be a game-changer. They can offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or even just a distraction from whatever's troubling you. Knowing you're not alone in your struggles or having a safe space to just be can be incredibly comforting and empowering.

Loneliness is something we all experience at times, but being part of a community can help alleviate those feelings. When we're connected with others, we feel seen, heard, and valued. Regular social interactions, whether through a book club, volunteer group, or faith-based community, provide opportunities to form meaningful relationships. These connections remind us that we're part of something bigger than ourselves, which can be a powerful antidote to loneliness.

Surrounding ourselves with optimistic, inspiring, hardworking individuals has a way of lifting our spirits and pushing us to be our best selves. When we're part of a community that encourages growth and celebrates our successes, we feel more motivated to pursue our goals. The energy and enthusiasm of those around us can be contagious, sparking our own passion and drive. Plus, having a support system means we have people cheering us on, which can make a world of difference when we're striving to achieve something great.

There's something incredibly fulfilling about feeling like you belong. When we're part of a community, we experience a deep sense of connection and acceptance. This feeling of belonging can boost our self-esteem and overall well-being. It's reassuring to know there are people who care about us and who we can count on. This sense of community can be found in many places, from neighborhoods to workplaces, and it's worth seeking out and nurturing.

Communities are where we thrive. They give us a chance to deepen our connections to ourselves, our values, and our passions. When we're engaged in a community, we're more likely to discover and pursue what truly matters to us. We learn from others, share our own experiences, and grow together. Being part of a community can help us stay grounded and aligned with our values, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

So, how do we build these incredible networks? Here are a few ideas:

1. Neighborhood Groups: Neighbors who come together to improve their local area can create a safer, more vibrant community. I have built a beautiful community of humans where I live and there isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not utterly filled with gratitude for them. We all come from different walks of life, we all range in age, and all do something different for a living. We don’t always agree with each other but we remain open-minded and I can truthfully say that I feel heard, valued, safe and so loved by them. I have never once felt judged and they allow me to be my most authentic self, and by most authentic self, I mean they don’t bat an eye when I order a half-dozen, warm chocolate chip cookies at the local watering hole all for myself. Just kidding, I’ve started to share 😊

2. Volunteer: Giving back is a great way to meet like-minded people and make a difference. Volunteering with others who share a commitment to a cause can be deeply fulfilling. It allows individuals to contribute to something larger than themselves and see the tangible impact of their efforts. All it takes is a simple Google search to find volunteer opportunities in your area. Examples include: Animal shelters, food pantries, mentoring/coaching, Crisis Text Line (I did for a year and it was SO fulfilling), and Planned Parenthood.

3. Hobby Clubs: Whether it's a book club, a fitness group, board game meetup, or a knitting circle, hobby clubs bring people together to share their passions. This not only improves skills and knowledge but also creates lasting friendships.

4. Professional Networks: Professional communities provide opportunities for career growth, mentorship, and networking. Sharing industry knowledge and opportunities can significantly advance members' careers. Conferences and Employee Resource Groups also come to mind when I think of professional networks.

5. Find a faith-based community: Churches, temples, or other religious groups can provide a strong sense of community. Studies have shown that a large part of health and longevity benefits owes itself to communal aspect of worship, but interestingly enough, it’s not that any specific belief system or deity is saving you. It’s far more likely that you and the people in your community are saving each other (VanderWeele, 2017).

6. Attend a conference: Whether this be for personal reasons or professional, conferences are a fun way to meet like-minded individuals and have a great time while doing it. For example, I attend the USC Women’s Conference every year - I meet with USC alumni, eat good food, network, listen to empowering speakers, and it gives me an excuse to go home to California ✌🏻

I think it’s important to note that this is just scratching the surface. The topic of community can be explored much more deeply - think about the impact of social media and connection (I actually wrote my Master’s thesis on a similar topic), the detailed reasons why community combats loneliness, and even how it influences your romantic relationships. If you would be interested in reading more on these topics, let me know!

I’d say the biggest takeaway here is that there are so many ways to build your community. The key is to find what resonates with you and dive in. Remember, like the redwoods, we are strongest when we are interconnected. So, let's embrace our networks, support one another, and grow together. 🌲💫

Trust your journey. Rest your soul. Always leave people better than you found them, and have a blissful day and a glorious weekend ahead! 👽🫶🏻🧿

P.S. If you’re interested in reading the book I got today’s quote from, here is the link📚

References:

VanderWeele T. J. (2017). Religious Communities and Human Flourishing. Current directions in psychological science, 26(5), 476–481. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721417721526