Posted by AmySanderMontanez at 6/6/2011 10:11 AM | Add Comment

May 25, 2011

I recently had the privilege of attending a Cirque du Soleil performance.  I’ve heard for years how amazing these performers are, how the choreography and sheer artistry as well as the feats of bravery and athletic skill are something one never forgets.  All of that was true.

One struck me, though, was that I left with the same feeling I often have when I listen live to gifted musicians or watch dancers perform.  I also can have this feeling after participating in a soulful worship service, working backstage at the ballet, or even after spending a magical evening with special friends.  The feeling is that of being a part of something that is bigger than I am.

Do you know that feeling?  I carry it as a sense that I am small and the world is large.  A sense that we are all in this together, and that together we are better than we are alone.  A sense that when two or three work, play, or pray together, miraculous things can happen.  The feeling is a reminder that we are designed by nature to be a part of community.

What do we do then, when the world is increasingly isolating?  We spend hours looking at screens, we have jobs that take us away from home, and we pass much time in cars, subways, trains, and planes with earbuds in to keep the world out.

Today, perhaps more than ever, true community must be intentionally created.

If we don’t stop and pull ourselves out of the rat race of life, we will feel very isolated and alone.  How do you participate in community?  Do you belong to a small group with a joint passion like a cycling group, a book club, a tennis team, or a service organization?  That can feel like being a part of something bigger.  Do you help create community with friends or family by helping to host special occasions?  Are you a part of a larger organization like a faith community, professional organization or civic club that does together what one could never do alone?

There is a hunger for community.  We want to belong to something that is bigger than we are.  The virtual communities we have created and participate in can be helpful.  My experience, though, is that people still want and need face to face community.

Next week I will write about the risk inherent with belonging to community.