COMMUNITY AND INTRO

From the day we are born we belong to communities. First our family, our school, our neighbourhood, our town/village, our place of work, Facebook, instagram, club and societies... the list is endless. There can be times of overlap with members who belong to the same communities. One thing is certain - no man or woman is an island on their own. 

For communities to thrive there has to be integrity, care, respect, and love. We need to think about our actions and the beliefs and thought patterns that influence us. We also meed to consider our relationship to the environment. Our we making choices that honour the earth or sqaunder her vast resources. 

Learning to create and sustain communities, that can live with each other in unity and harmony is essential. This education happens everywhere and we are all responsible for the nurturing and maintenance of our communities. Too often we think it is the job of the school, or those who lead. We are all leaders and it is our self leadership and mastery that can help us thrive. 

I personally feel there are a few areas we need to focus on. 

1. Recognise and respond to jealousy with maturity.

When we meet someone who may be more talented and have skills we do not have our first thought should be how can I learn from this individual and improve myself. Not - how do I tear them down so that I feel more secure. 

2. Create a growth culture. Not a blame culture.

When things go wrong or we lack knowledge / skill, we must be willing to learn. The phrases - "I don't know" or "We made a mistake" should not be seen as a sign of weakness. Denial of ignorance causes pain. If acknowledged and education takes place further errors which cause more pain can be avoided. We should create a culture where we share our mistakes and lessons openly. 

3. Encourage authenticity

Often times modern society creates a facade of how they wish to be seen. However, the inner reality is very different. One thing is certain no one can pretend everyday. If there is an integrity gap between the reality and impression; work needs to be done to close the gap. The virtual world can further confuse the true nature of reality. Everyday is not a good day. Neither is everyday a bad one. Being genuine is priceless. If we value it our communities will thrive. 

4. Spread gratitude

Too often in life we do not say thank you. No one has yet to say, "I did not run fast enough on their death bed." Gratitude is a catalyst which allows all that is good to grow. Why not spread it around more often. Specially as it is free. 

5. Encourage reflective learning

There is an ancient truth - the one who makes time to slow down and think, has a long and fulfilling life. We need to pause regularly and have routines that allow our own inner wisdom to come through. Intuition is a powerful guide. Deep down we know what is right. Creating space for reflection at the level of communities is an important step in human evolution. It can be achieved. If we do not pause and reflect we are on a hamster wheel of existence. When such pauses are a part of life we can have greater clarity in our thinking.