Welcome to Wellness Wednesday! My name is Rosana Sotile and I am a certified wellness and meditation coach, serving all of South Louisiana. And what better way to kick off this series (and Christopher’s incredible effort of gathering us all here) than to share what it means to create a Conscious Community.
For as long as humankind has existed, we’ve survived as a pack-race; living as tribes for not only protection, but for provision of basic human needs, such as gathering food and water, and caring for the young.
Fast forward to today, we sit behind computers, using modern technology to have our provisions delivered right to our doorstep. Our connections with others have faded away from the warmth of the campfire circle toward the bright glare of an artificial screen.
This is why now, more than ever, conscious communities are so important. One of our most fundamental biological needs is to feel that we belong. Being accepted for who we are sits at the core of our self-worth and greatly impacts our mental health. It has been shown that supportive communities foster a sense of belonging and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation and unworthiness, and lead to decreased crime and increased civic engagement. Likewise, shared experiences within a group of people (both good and bad experiences) create avenues for empathy, encouragement, and growth, which are crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health.
So, what does a “conscious community” look like and how do we create one?
- Emphasize mindfulness and empathy. Members are mindful of their interactions with others and provide non-judgmental empathy when needed. For example, if someone in your group announced the death of a loved one, you would be mindful of expressing your empathy during your next interaction with them.
- Shared values that nurture the well-being of individuals and the group as a whole. This might look like members serving others who are in need, regardless of any societal standards or preconceived prejudices. Before, during and after a major disaster, does it really matter which side of the railroad tracks you live on?
- Establish a mindset of collective growth. As we become more self-aware and realize how much impact we have on others, the more the community grows. It grows in a direction of authentic contribution where the members recognize what works best to serve others in need, and then expands its efforts to include and serve even more.
Love, trust, empathy and connection - this is what a conscious community provides for the world in which it sits. It’s a safe space for all who enter, much like the proverbial campfire. And there’s no question that St. Charles Parish Strong gives us this and so much more!
So, looking forward, in what ways will you consciously, or mindfully, engage with your community? And what do you hope to see in the future for this group? Feel free to share your thoughts in the Facebook community, or connect with me directly if you are not on social media.
All my best to all of you, #SCPStrong,
Rosana
