I went to a networking group of bloggers and writers that has been meeting once a week for a little more than seven months. People come and go as they choose. Some attend more regularly than others. All are welcome and invited to participate in whatever mode is suitable for them. Some join in on the conversation; others sit and listen.
I showed up a tad late and easily slipped into the essence of the current conversation. Other latecomers followed me. After a bit of time, the facilitator offered that we could split into two groups since our size had grown to 24 of us. A quick poll kept us as we were - a community in a circle of connection. Quite interestingly, as I sat there pondering the community we were, I began to hear more mention of that word.
Community. A collection of individuals united in commonality and difference. Common in that all are bloggers or soon-to-be. All are entrepreneurs, even if in spirit and not yet by design. All are eager to share, even in their listening. Different in that the group included a painter, efficiency expert, artist, reflexologist, writing coaches, real estate broker, feng shui consultant, and a host of others amid the variety of participants.
What struck me the most, though, was the visual - the circle. As new arrivals showed up, chairs scooted back to expand the community. Yet, the community remained unbroken. In that completeness, there was a sense of calm that reverberated, despite the shifts. There wasn't any disruption. Smiles were exchanged. Conversations remained whole and intact, eager to offer and receive new perspectives.
Imagine living your life as community in a circle. Allowing for newness to enter without feeling disturbed. Engaging with differences that teach and inspire. Expanding with self-awareness and passion for making a difference.
By the end of our time together, I heard the word community uttered several times over. Some participants left a bit early, but we were still a community, in our circle. The circle was only broken once the chairs were put away.
We didn't need them anymore. Our community had moved to our hearts. The chairs will be brought out again next week, but when we walk in the door, we will already be connected.
Remarkable Woman, how are you in community with yourself? WIth others? What wants to come into your circle? How will you invite it in?
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