Community
Content Warning- this post contains some brief non-detailed discussion of isolation, which may be triggering for some. Please proceed with caution and reach out for support if needed
Before we explore community, I want to go back a step to define what may be considered it’s opposite; isolation. Isolation describes the experience or feeling of being separate or set apart from others. Isolation can also feel like being invisible or lonely. Isolation can be a common experience for people belonging to marginalised identity/ies, because we are different from most of the people we might see around us, and it can be challenging to find others who share the marginalised aspects of our identity, others who are like us. Senses of isolation may also be due to circumstances like chronic illness or disability, preventing connection with others which is frequent enough to build lasting relationships, or from things like exclusion or ostracism by others.
Connection and connection with community is important for many reasons, including the sense of belonging it can provide. Connection with community can help lessen feelings of isolation. Broadly, a community is a group of people connected by a commonality of some kind, such as where they live or a shared identity. Community can also describe shared attitudes, beliefs or perspectives amongst a group of people which unites them. In the case a community is united by shared identity, connecting with and being part of community can also provide a degree of comfort, reassurance and relief that you’re not the only one like you. Keep your eye out for our events and groups for opportunities to connect with others in your community- more on our services and free event pages.
Each individual’s definition of community will be as unique as them. Connecting with community, especially for the first time, is powerful. Here at Illuminating Insights, we have seen and felt the impact. I will never forget the moments I’ve been privileged enough to play a part in one of an individual’s first connections with their community, or my own first moments of connection with community. These are the kinds of moments that can easily bring me to tears because of the power they hold.