What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other? – George Eliot
Community is an essential part of being human. While community can be defined as “a group of people living in the same place or having particular characteristics in common” and “as the condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common”, one’s sense of community goes beyond these definitions of structure, and refers more to the experience of ‘connection’ and ‘belonging’; to feel accepted and loved by others. Research suggests that being connected to something greater than our-selves (e.g. a community) has an important role in promoting and maintaining mental health.
Being part of a community gives us the opportunity to feel connected, supported, celebrated, validated, encouraged, inspired, and challenged, as well as to learn from others, and to access resources. We also have an opportunity to do the same for others, which gives us a sense of purpose and meaning. In community, individuals fulfill different roles. Whether we are asking for help, giving advice, praising, or thanking another, being talkative or observing in the background, a community would not be a community without individuals fulfilling their unique roles. This could be compared to being a part of a physical body, where every aspect is needed to make the body function effectively as a whole – so even a big toe, as small as it is, is needed to help us keep our balance in life.
The concept of community includes both individualistic and collective aspects, focusing on meeting our needs as individuals as well as promoting responsibility for contributing to the well-being of others. Community building is an activity that focuses on both aspects, including recognising, valuing and mobilising individual strengths and resources in the community to collectively address common issues and to promote a sense of community or community spirit. For example, in a hospital community, a staff member could ask: “What strengths do I have that I could share to the benefit of my colleagues, the patients, and the hospital as a whole?” and; “How can we work together to optimise and mobilise the strengths of our team work to solve problems and promote wellbeing of each other and our clients?” The following suggestions may help to build a greater sense of community in one’s own life:
· LOOK IN: Self-reflection is a fundamental building block to living one’s life authentically, and in the context of building community, to embracing our individual strengths. Make time to become aware of what is important to you (what do you value?), and what you are good at (what are your strengths?). These are your individual assets which, when mobilised, will bring purpose and meaning. These strengths also constitute the capacities and skills you can offer to others to promote a sense of community in various contexts.
· LOOK UP: There may be communities that you have consciously joined and are actively involved in, but there are communities that you are already part of without even possibly recognising your role in them. Look up and see what is in-front of you. Consider your family, your workplace, your neighbourhood, and the community surrounding your neighbourhood, and even the communities surrounding that. How can these communities serve your needs better, and what role can you play to support and build these communities?
· LOOK OUT: Look out for new communities which could provide spaces for you to give expression to your talents, interests, values, and purpose and meaning in life, and to contribute to the well-being of others. Also look out for individuals who may be lonely or isolated and consider introducing them to a community (without imposing your own interests, values, and beliefs) so that they too can find a sense of community.
In conclusion, to promote a sense of community in your life, it may help if you examine yourself (look in), reflect on what you already have (look up), and look for opportunities for greater connections and contributions (look out). Connecting with others is crucial for our individual and collective mental health, thus serving our own individual needs, and the well-being of others.
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