Community

Having got back from Cornwall recently, staying in the small village my father-in-law lives in reminded me of the importance of community.  He lives in a lovely community where people know each other and look out for each other.  Community seems to be very unfashionable at the moment but I think it is vital to contented living. I think we are designed to live in community.  I think people yearn to be in community hence the popularity of social networking website.  Now a-days it may not be community based on where you live, with the people traveling to work etc. we are quite a desperate society.  A lot of people find community through clubs that people travel to.  Do you have a sense that you are part of a community - a community where you meet face to face, not just on-line?  Who do you turn to if you have a need? Do you have someone you can borrow a cup of milk from?! Although we live in London we are lucky to be part of the most wonderful community through our local church.   If you yearn to be in a
community how about looking in the local paper to see what you can get involved in in your area as a first step?

Comments

[Dominic Harvey]

I have lived in the same district for almost 10 years now. In some ways I'm inordinately proud of this area, which is not always a great thing, but also I have a sense of community. I think it's true we are designed this way - even though we require our own space a lot of the time, we still need to be a part of a greater network. It's enriching and somehow gives further dimension to our individual selves.

[Allie]

That map is great!

I don't live in an area where there's a strong sense of community, and I think that's something I really crave. I think I'm going to take your advice and see what I can do to feel more at home here.