Friday, October 15, 2021
A community-builder is one who understands the importance of togetherness. The bonding agent of togetherness, the power of commonality, is synergy. Synergy is a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Ancient societies depended on synergy to survive. They lived and worked in community. The shared responsibilities of communal living is what helped ancient societies to stay alive, to feel safe, and to have meaning in life.
Modernity is very different – we seem to value the individual, rather than the community. But a facilitator of community understands that when there are two or more gathered in a common purpose, there is something deeper to discover. When the individual is absorbed in itself, the world seems meaningless. But when people are absorbed in the common good, life seems much more meaningful.
Take a moment to interact with other people today, with the intention of facilitating community. Learn of what makes you the same as everyone who comes into your presence. The word “common” is the root of the word “community.” Finding commonalities with fellow humans is the greatest challenge of the modern world. You either dismiss someone for being different, or you welcome them in for being just like you, no matter what they believe, or how they look and behave. You might be surprised at how different your life would be, if you make community-building a priority.
Humans love to discover strengths in themselves. They love to discover shared interests and a common purpose. They inherently like to be useful, to be needed, and to experience positive energy through cooperation. These are the ingredients of community, so find ways to facilitate that today. Make it easier for people to see themselves in you. Be a catalyst for bringing people together today, and find positive commonalities in everyone who you encounter. The world needs this effort.