The biggest and most crucial aspect missing from modern westernised living, is the spirit of community. 

Today the social norm is to live in isolation, each in our own little bubble, separated from one another, occupied with navel gazing and consumed by our own personal reality. This way of living is totally unnatural and counterintuitive to us Sapiens, because we are social creatures at heart. In order to be fully actualised, we need intimacy, we need connection, we need support, we need people. Our sense of wellbeing is directly correlated to our connection with others. The central premise of community originates out of the dictum “I am, because you are.” Sapiens have an inherent dependence on those around us for our emotional well-being. 

It is natural that you feel scared or uncomfortable sharing certain things with your community. 

Society has conditioned us to be wary of sharing certain things with others lest we be judged or ostracised. 

This mentality impedes true connection, as relationships are based on trust and transparency. It is postulated that that a system of reciprocity exists among the people with whom you interact. This interaction provides emotional support in times of stress, which aids in warding off mental disability and boost overall wellbeing.

Communities are typically construed as being geographically situated.

However, people sharing a common value, belief system, culture and practices, also constitute communities. It is asserted that overall wellbeing is a product of the interaction between individuals and their environment. So go and find a group of people that you can connect with, people who share your worldview, and who share your creative vision, and who desire to create similar things. 

Having a common project or interest fosters a much healthier and successful relationship dynamic.This is an excellent time to practice being more vulnerable and sharing those aspects of yourself that generally remain hidden. To ask yourself why is it that you hide these aspects of yourself from others. It is important to be in open communication about shared common mental pursuits and interests with your community and remember, it doesn't always have to be serious stuff. You should be able to discuss most things, even the things you consider insignificant. 

Make sure to maintain clear communication and mental resonance with one another. A lot of good can come out of expressing those feelings of discontent with others in your community, always in a wise and respectful manner of course. Focus on the highest ideals within your relationships with others and recognise any unhealthy thought patterns that may be holding you back from fulfilling connections with others. 

It is imperative to take cognisance of the structural inequities of societal factors such as poverty, political powerlessness, inadequate housing and so forth. You do not exist in a vacuum, so being aware with regard to structural inequities and the overall unresponsiveness of the political apparatus is important, as it helps with understanding people in the context of their communities. Social action is the lifeblood of human rights movements globally and spearheading reforms worldwide that empowers vulnerable communities. A human rights approach is primarily driven by individuals such as yourself forming communities that challenge the status quo and draw attention to inadequacies and impediments in the promotion of wellness in communities. Many communities flounder when the people involved don’t feel like they can relate to others on a bigger level. One that extends outside personal relationships.

Wellness is the full integration of states of physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being and not merely the absence of illness or infirmity. Addressing structural and historical impediments to wellness is important as studies have demonstrated the correlation between the individual and community health and wellness. Everyone, yes you too, are embedded in interacting social systems which exert a negative or positive influence, directly or indirectly. The profound proverb “In unity there is strength.” is literally and figuratively true in relation to communities, as more can be accomplished by a team with a common goal than individuals. Sapiens are social animals and it is thus imperative for them to stay united with their fellow beings in order to lead a peaceful and fulfilling life. 

Unity is being in harmony and one in spirit and furthermore reference the union of a part off one mind with the part of another.Isolation in short bursts to center yourself and find balance are conducive to wellbeing. However, when isolation becomes your way of life, you are prone to ‘lose’ yourself as the ‘I am because you are’ edict becomes void. 

Others validate your existence, because through others you see yourself, get to know yourself even. Through connection with others you perceive yourself, positively or negatively. The profound Proverb “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” is a case in point. In other words, there is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together, the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient. Likewise, people sharpen one another through fellowship or any other interaction, and mutual edification occurs.

People learn from one another, making each other sharp. Being part of a group, uniting together, teach you even more about yourself. We need one another to sharpen each other, to hone ourselves, our skills, our decisions. We need continuous communion with one another, as mankind was not created for a solitary life. To hold each other accountable for our behaviour and virtue. People grow from interaction with one another, and one person sharpens the character of another. 

The incentive is, according to this analogy, that it is mutually beneficial, as both must work together to accomplish the desired intent. The intent of the process is good, not vengeful, as the sharpening is meant to be understood as a process of enhancing the disposition and character of a person. It is a friend that does the sharpening, not one’s enemy or detractor. 

It could be seen as a metaphor of the benefits of close human relationships. It is vital to have people in our lives that are supportive and have our best interest at heart. When we are present in our friends’ lives, everyone benefits. It is important to focus on being present with the people we interact with on a daily basis. It is indicative of an attitude of encouragement, moral support and affecting one another for good. A meeting of minds can help people see their ideas with new clarity, refine them and shape them into brilliant insights. It highlights that one may succeed in sharpening the intellectual and spiritual state of another. 

There is a reason why solitary confinement is deemed the harshest penalty in the prison system. Isolation affects you on all levels, i.e. physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, etcetera. Isolation induces depression, anxiety and loneliness. Loneliness breaks the spirit. Today is about forging deeper connections with those around you and reassessing your friendships with others. Discuss material matters with others and recognise how this impacts your emotional wellbeing. 

Learn to release your thoughts in a healthy and productive way. Reciprocity and an attitude of service are key elements to successful networking. So go ahead and connect with your community and step into their experiences and wisdom to support your process.