thoughts on community bonding
Of course I thought I'd have to do a lot of research and see some things in person to formulate mor an idea about how a community could move toward the vision I have of reconnecting and providing a support base for its members.
A few thoughts I've had recently: first, while the idea is vivid, it is in idealistic format. I've been trying to think of the caveats and the hows, but really first, I need more personal experience. I was thinking I would attempt this in my own neighborhood, wherever I am when I'm ready to try. But I really don't have much experience of being in a cohesive community of any type. In church today, I'm thinking that getting involved more with a church community can perhaps give me some more concrete ideas of the things that bring them together and separate them.
Next, I come home to the invitation to my family reunion. I'd seen it before: Scott asks if I want to throw it away. Truth be told, I have no intention of going. I find it ironic that I don't try to bond in the way that seems most obvious. However, I don't see any long-term way to build community by attending. There are people in my family with whom I've tried to bond and others with whom I feel no potential. We're scattered across thousands of miles. Support needs to be steady, regular, home base, if you will. I don't see myself pursuing that.
Finally, I was thinking about how much TV we and others watch. I don't watch a ton because I'm still in school but Scott and I watch it together as recreation. The thing is, so much time that could be spent connecting with people and being productive are taken away. People have entertainment on-demand and it also serves as a way to hide from life. I see one possibly large obstacle to re-building a community focus as people's over-involvement with television, work, anything to distract. These are familiar places to hide. Bonding with new people is unfamiliar, uncomfortable at first: you have to put yourself out there for it to happen. I imagine that for this reason, only a subset of people in a community will choose to connect if the option is there.
Not that I am detered. I am trying to think of the realistic aspect: what would happen in reality if these ideas were implemented? Just some thoughts.
A few thoughts I've had recently: first, while the idea is vivid, it is in idealistic format. I've been trying to think of the caveats and the hows, but really first, I need more personal experience. I was thinking I would attempt this in my own neighborhood, wherever I am when I'm ready to try. But I really don't have much experience of being in a cohesive community of any type. In church today, I'm thinking that getting involved more with a church community can perhaps give me some more concrete ideas of the things that bring them together and separate them.
Next, I come home to the invitation to my family reunion. I'd seen it before: Scott asks if I want to throw it away. Truth be told, I have no intention of going. I find it ironic that I don't try to bond in the way that seems most obvious. However, I don't see any long-term way to build community by attending. There are people in my family with whom I've tried to bond and others with whom I feel no potential. We're scattered across thousands of miles. Support needs to be steady, regular, home base, if you will. I don't see myself pursuing that.
Finally, I was thinking about how much TV we and others watch. I don't watch a ton because I'm still in school but Scott and I watch it together as recreation. The thing is, so much time that could be spent connecting with people and being productive are taken away. People have entertainment on-demand and it also serves as a way to hide from life. I see one possibly large obstacle to re-building a community focus as people's over-involvement with television, work, anything to distract. These are familiar places to hide. Bonding with new people is unfamiliar, uncomfortable at first: you have to put yourself out there for it to happen. I imagine that for this reason, only a subset of people in a community will choose to connect if the option is there.
Not that I am detered. I am trying to think of the realistic aspect: what would happen in reality if these ideas were implemented? Just some thoughts.