It Was Community That Kept Our Ancestors Alive

“It was community that kept our ancestors alive. And it will be in community that we can support each other through today’s crises.”

I quite like this way of thinking about community. Sometimes family. Sometimes neighbors. Sometimes more distant kin. Sometimes teams. The above diagram comes through NewStories, and more specifically Sarah Van Gelder. It has me reflecting and integrating — that’s what NewStories has been doing forever (thx Bob).

So, I’m going to nuance each of the principles below. Mostly affirmation. And a few extra nudges that I’ve learned over the years. Perhaps these will nudge you too.

1. Gather in person. Yes. There is an activation possible in person that isn’t quite so possible when not in person. Together, in person, we weave a unique field of connection. And we give ourselves a little more permission to share stories that have this way of filling in the cracks between us.
2. All voices are heard. Slight tweak — all voices are invited to be heard. Many of us do our best. We move from “less heard” to “more heard.” But “heard” isn’t an absolute yes or no. It’s ongoing process and commitment toward “more, not less.” And toward “more honest, not more restricted.”
3. Build on what you love. Thank you! It’s one of the most important steps and orientations that I try to encourage. It is to follow life-giving energy. And trust it.
4. Take space, make space. Yes again. In some recent planning, my colleague re-asserted, “whatever we do, I want to feel ample space in it.” Faster isn’t always better. Fuller often is.
5. Share food. This one isn’t as important to me, but it depends on the setting. Community unites all around food, particularly when people bring stuff. We get to be generous together, which is what this one animates in me. But I also find I want people’s full attention to our conversations together. The conversation and curiosity is itself a meal…?
6. Share the work. Yup. My friend Meg taught me long ago, “people support what they create.” That principle has guided me well over many years.
7. Circle up. Yes, please. I love hearing from some of my younger colleagues when they find their love of circle for their love of people and purpose. To circle is to invite connection, courage, compassion — this is what I write in Gifts of Circle.
8. Create brave spaces. People love to play with this one. I kind of like the tweaks. Brave people is an intent. Brave people in brave spaces. I like the nuancing, often to encourage something beyond “safe” spaces.
9. Tell your truth. Yes. And trust that as we each tell our truth, with some values in place, life and learning will re-organize us.
10. Celebrate wins & keep learning. I love the celebration as practice. Learning as practice. We keep going. We keep contributing. We keep lifting honesty, learning, joy.

I’m grateful for such phrases. Thx again to Sarah and to NewStories. And all the other teachers that have been leading the way with such notions.