How I Discovered Peace in Community

When I was younger, I believed that peace was a state of being that only very enlightened beings could ever reach. My mind was always busy thinking about tomorrow or what needed to be done or to achieve next.

In the current climate of uncertainty in our world, peace could seem even more unattainable than ever, enlightened being or not.

States of loneliness and vulnerability caused by isolation as a result of mandates and/or fear of infection have grown exponentially. And to exacerbate the situation, the news brings with it even more feelings of fear and instability.

And so the cycle continues.

There is one factor I found which amplifies the feelings of isolation: No regular connection to family or to a community. Humans are by nature a social species, and interaction is part of our DNA. And when personal interaction is unavailable, reaching out via technology can also serve its purpose to connect us.

 In the earlier part of this year, (2020), I was quarantined in a country that had shut down its borders with little notice in response to the pandemic. At first, there was a sense of helplessness not being able to leave and having personal freedoms limited by the authorities.

Rather than continuing to lament the situation, and wallow in the ever-increasing bad news developing in the world, we formed a community bubble. There were guests in our little tropical location from all parts of the world, and I began to call our community the “Coconut Quarantine Tribe.” The name was a nod to being in gratitude for getting locked down on an island in the Caribbean. 

Although English wasn’t everyone’s first language, it felt good to be part of a tribe that shared the daily experience of life in the new reality. And my wish was to be of service in some way to help elevate our situation in some way.

My participation was to serve as a guide in fitness classes, stretching, meditation, and gratitude practices. The consistency of the experience was positive for everyone, and especially for me! I loved being of service using the skills and knowledge I have learned and developed over the years. 
“Normal” life was paused, and from that came communal experiences based on the new reality of the global pandemic. We found a way to not only cope, but also to thrive together as a community.

Although the anxiety of uncertainty still existed, the support and stability of regular interaction helped immensely.

I have read many studies about strategies people are using to alleviate their own concerns about the situation we are all experiencing and to up-level their mood about living in the “new normal.”

Some of those strategies include weekly Zoom sessions of group games, workouts, virtual breakfasts, lunches, and/or dinners, what their first escape would be when possible, indoor soccer, pet antics, gardening tips, etc. 

The result was a sense of stability and support as a result of being part of a community.

I have personally joined Facebook groups and watch presentations in diverse areas of interest to help me understand how others are thriving and to contribute whenever possible.

Ultimately, our experience of life is ours alone, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be lived alone in a vacuum caused by events beyond our control.

I’m honored to be part of my valued tribes and grateful for the peace being part of a larger community has brought. 

Remember, we don’t have to go it alone. 

Which communities can support you and foster a sense of peace at this time?

To Your Best and Highest,
Kit