If you look at the healthiest communities in the world, like in the Blue Zones for example, (a WHOLE other topic for another day!!) Community and connection always play an intricate role in the wellbeing of the people.
Humans are designed to give and crave love, support, and a sense of belonging. I did not grow up in a very community-oriented city so moving to Warren was absolutely life changing! When I first moved to town, I used to take my dog walking in the downtown area, and would always find myself in such great conversations, which is how I met most of the people I now know in the community to this day. I still make this a weekly part of my routine and it never fails to brighten my day.
In my daily meditation, I always ask my higher-self, how can I be of service, how can I better my life and the life of the people around me today. Sometimes, I get inspired action ideas that have me running in a certain direction before I even have time to think about what or why I am doing it and yet recently, the message I keep receiving is simply, Connect and Communicate. Do the work, heal and just show up. Unity is important now more than ever and so many of us are longing for that experience.
When we take the time to connect with our natural gifts and passions and then find a way to use them to be of service to our community, we in turn develop a deeper, more meaningful and purposeful life for ourselves.
I am reminded of the "parable of the long spoons". It depicts two versions of a banquet, one in heaven (Bliss & Joy) and one in hell (suffering). In the banquet of "hell" or state of suffering, guests are only trying to feed themselves and can't because the spoons are too long so find themselves perishing. In the room of "heaven", Bliss & Joy, the guests have all learned that the secret is to feed each other, therefore they are thriving! I like to use this as a constant reminder that whenever I feel lost, stressed, spread too thin or in a negative emotional state, finding a way to serve and care for others ALWAYS resets my state of being and then universally, it is inevitable that someone, some way, comes around to care for and to be of service to me. I feel that is a far more rewarding experience than focusing on what I need in the present moment.
In reference to the tree analogy in my last blog about trust, I am so grateful for all of my deep meaningful "root" relationships that ground me but my "leaf" people that come and go are so very meaningful to me as well and add such richness to my sense of belonging and being a part of something bigger than my own small circle of existence.
This very feeling inspired me to launch a bi-weekly, discussion group every other Tuesday at 6pm called Change Your Thoughts. You can click the link to learn more. I am also excited to collaborate with Justine Ring, founder of Healer's Harvest, to form a monthly community connection and discussion group one Sunday a month at 4pm, called Warren Community Connection. You can find all of the information on that link. I feel this kind of connection and healthy communication is really important and a great way to learn, expand and spread the ripple effect. You can RSVP to these events or you can just show up unannounced. These are non commital and designed to be supportive and nurturing. I look forward to seeing you there!
We often tell the people who are the closest to us how much they mean to us. Would you care to join me in an exercise of telling our community "leaf" people how much we value or appreciate them and how they enrich our lives?
All the love,
Pamela
Comments