Belonging to a community

As I sit on the bus, I ponder whether bus conductors socialize frequently outside of work.

Whenever they meet, they greet each other warmly. Is their politeness genuine, or are they simply very sociable? Seeing this gesture always brings a sense of warmth to my heart. I like to envision the drivers as part of a positive and productive community that enables them to greet their friends happily multiple times throughout the day.

Many individuals feel a growing sense of detachment from communities, with discussions frequently focusing on the increasing issue of loneliness in Western societies. Numerous individuals battle with depression due to their isolated circumstances, lacking meaningful connections, or being part of a less cohesive family unit.

Consequently, many find themselves lacking a support system, a challenging situation for social creatures like humans who historically relied on tribes for survival, where each member had a defined role crucial for the tribe's well-being.

Last year, I discovered the joy and fulfilment of being part of a community for the first time. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I faced challenges and unease that I found difficult to discuss with others. This eventually guided me towards spiritual pursuits. Growing up with parents who occasionally consulted mediums and explored the meanings of their dreams, transitioning into this path felt like a natural progression for me.

Throughout my self-employment journey, I have been open to exploring a wide range of options, whether they fall under conventional or alternative medicine. I am typically cautious and thorough in my approach, carefully assessing things before making decisions.

This has allowed me to trust my own judgment in determining what works best for me on my path to healing. I have embraced various healing modalities, such as craniofacial and chiropractic treatments, Bowen therapy, acupuncture, hypnosis, and many others. After nearly a decade of exploration, I have decided to delve into shamanism.

Simply put, shamanism is a traditional spiritual practice where the shaman enters a mental state to connect with the spirit world for wisdom and personal growth. When I signed up for this program, I was unsure of what to expect, but I'm constantly seeking ways to enhance my spiritual practices and healing.

During this course, I discovered a community of 25 individuals, predominantly Icelanders but also including participants from other countries, my instructor, and four assistants. Together, we have united to learn, heal, and provide mutual support throughout our three-year shared experience.

Throughout the past year of studying alongside this group, we have grown increasingly familiar with one another. The introspective work we engage in necessitates complete transparency about our identities and a willingness to be empathetic and genuine, should we aspire to attain any level of enlightenment.

We have shared tears, provided solace, embraced, and celebrated each other's victories. These circumstances have compelled me to further unveil my true self and aspirations. However, the personal progress I am making is significantly influenced by the fact that I am now part of a community I can rely on in times of distress and share my joys with.

Understanding the significance of having a sense of belonging within a community is a valuable lesson I've acquired. Life has its ups and downs, and not everyone has the means to access professional help in times of need. Hence, finding support within a group or community is crucial.

A community like this doesn't have to revolve around spirituality; it could be a CrossFit group, sewing circle, political organization, or any other support group. We are not meant to navigate through life alone, and coming together can provide solace during challenging times or feelings of isolation.