Real Talk: Community
Last week, I wrote about the importance of connection and getting the support you needed. I spent a lot of time in the subsequent days talking with people in my life about family relationships (theirs and mine), as well as ideas about community. Someone finally asked me, “Well, how do you define community"? I started talking about how community are the people you feel safe asking for help and how community are the people who invite you over for dinner. And, the friend I was talking with tilted her head and looked at me hard. I had lovingly been backed up against a wall. She kept nudging. “What about meaningful conversation?”
I hadn't factored that in. Or at least, I hadn't articulated it for myself. It's not that I don't value deep conversations with other folks who reflect on themselves and our world. Maybe I need to get a little deeper. I think it's time for me to start to tie the quality of conversation into my notions about community and into the community I’ve been building since moving to Minneapolis 3 years ago. I often keep reflection as a solitary practice or save my most vulnerable ruminations for my partner or closest friends. But, what if I broadened that circle a little bit? Doesn't that seem like it would make way for more connection?
It was really good for me to have to define “community” for myself. I urge you to do the same. Comment on this post. Let me know what it means for you.
While I may be trying to add in more deep conversation and connection, I don't want to forget the very basic, essential act of gathering. There are two specific in-person opportunities in which to gather, and if you are in the Twin Cities, I hope you check them out. The first gathering is at the Burl Gallery. The Burl's Tiny Art Exhibit starts the 29th of this month (and goes through the 29th of December.) All work is 12 X 12 or smaller and costs $100 or less. Be sure to take a look at my cards, prints, and mini affirmational paintings. Let me know if you want to go check it out together!
If you are in downtown Minneapolis, come out to Holidays on Nicollet, located in the Chameleon at YMCA (ground floor of the Gaviidae Commons), Tuesdays through Sundays (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.). The Chameleon is focused on providing opportunities for BIPOC and woman-owned small businesses and I am really excited to be able to participate in this month-long event.
Many of us will be gathering for the winter holidays over the next few weeks. If you exchange gifts with your loved ones, please consider shopping my online studio for my Cyber Monday Extended Holiday Event (running from December 2nd through December 16th). I’ll have special deals just for loyal readers like you. Stay tuned for details.
Alright reader, time to wrap it up. Get in touch. Let me know how you define community. Let me know if you need support to stay connected to yourself and others.