Community is defined as (1):
“a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”
As social beings, our sense of community is inextricably linked to our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. Simply looking to our biological heritage, we are hardwired to be social (2, 3). As infants, we are unable to survive without the aid of our parents or community. From day one, we need others to survive. This builds a deep seeded need for connection and collaboration.
The consequences of disconnectedness and perceived social isolation are devastating (4, 5). Without appropriate social support, humans develop mental, physical, and emotional diseases that affect the individual as well as the greater community in which they live. These effects often manifest as a culture dominated by violence, deception, coercion, and exploitation.
To learn about building strong relationships, click here
To learn about lasting companionship, click here
To learn about resolving conflicts, click here