Is Community a Form of Resistance?

“Everyone wants a village, but no one wants to be a villager.”

“Community is a form of resistance.”

These two ideas have occupied my thoughts so far this month.

I like to think of myself as someone who builds community, but am I really? I have a solid network that I would consider to be my community, but how often do I connect with them on a real level?

Am I a villager, in the context of wanting to be part of a supportive village? I don’t know. Who is my village? What’s my role in that village?

I go back to the blog I wrote last week about the connection between habits and identity. If I thought of my identity as being a community-builder, how would that change what I do?

How is community a form of resistance?

• The world wants us to feel alone and afraid – we are easier to control that way.
• Capitalism wants us to feel that we are less than (so buy this thing and you’ll measure up).
• Community allows us to connect with others and see that we have common experiences and feelings.
• It provides a safe haven – we can let down our guard in our community.
• People feel inspired and energized by spending time in community.

If community is a form of resistance, how can we put that into action?

• Host gatherings with a common thread (extra points for hosting at your home)
• Attend things that are happening in your community – be a joiner
• Show up and participate – fight the urge to cancel
• Learn ways to make other people feel like they belong.
• Be extra friendly (when it feels safe and appropriate.)

I don’t have a neat bow to tie these ideas together, but there’s something here that I want to continue to contemplate. I’d be interested to hear what thoughts this brings up for you, so feel free to send me a note.