Having been in a chronic illness flare for a number of weeks now and being relegated to spending most of my free time at home to try to rest and practice self-care, I’ve had some serious time to reflect on how it can feel so hard to be at home away from my community. Of course we have so many ways of trying to stay connected from home—phones, computers, social media—but does this make up for live, in-person connection? After all, why is community just so important anyway?

I know this question comes up all the time with my clients, especially when it can feel challenging or too vulnerable to make a bid for meaningful connection or attempt to expand our felt sense of community. I get it. Really. When I’m not feeling well, I’m tired, or “I just don’t wanna,” I too struggle with asking for support or for someone to just come spend some low-key time with me. The feeling of togetherness may be something I’m craving, but it can also feel so difficult to put that desire into words and to outright ask to have my need for community met.

In a fast-paced and interconnected world, the value of community truly can’t be overstated. Whether it’s residing in and engaging with your neighborhood, having a social or affinity group, or sometimes even participating in a digital network, communities bring people together and foster a sense of belonging, support, and connection. The importance of community resonates across various aspects of our lives, from personal well-being, to collective healing, and even to fostering social progress.

To help remind me (and you, dear reader) why it may be worth it to make that reach or request when it feels hard, I put together a brief list of why community is an essential support for all of us as humans. (But of course community is also essential for many animals as well, turns out it really is a very basic, animal need!) In the moments you may feel you want to withdraw or reaching connection feels like too much, here’s some inspo to help you:

community provides emotional support

Communities serve as a source of emotional support, providing a safe/secure space where we can share our joys as well as our sorrows. During challenging times, it is within the close relationships that makeup our immediate community, that we may find solace, empathy, and encouragement. The mutual support and understanding offered by a community can promote mental well-being, resilience, permission to feel however you’re feeling, and also foster a sense of purpose.

communities foster social connection

At even our most basic, instinctive level, human beings are social creatures who crave belonging and connection. Communities fulfill this innate need by bringing together individuals with shared interests, values, backgrounds, or goals. They create opportunities for social interaction, fostering friendships, collaborations, and collective action taking. By enabling people to connect with others, communities are essential supports for reducing loneliness, isolation, and the related negative impacts on mental, emotional, and physical health. For myself as a disabled person (shout out to my spoonies!), I’ve found the power of building relationships and finding connection with other folks with chronic illness and/or chronic pain, especially with shared diagnoses, to be an incomparable source of healing, strength, and understanding for very challenging health days and knowing that i have this community is already a help for feeling less alone and more able to access resilience.

communities support learning & growth

Participating in community provides us an environment that promotes continuous learning and personal growth. Whether it is through formal educational institutions, informal social gatherings, or participating in social movements, communities offer a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences. People have many opportunities to expand their horizons, gain new perspectives, and acquire valuable skills by engaging with members of their community with experiences different from their own. This shared learning enhances individual and personal development and contributes to the collective knowledge of the community itself. Frankly, we’d likely be much better off as a society if we spent some more time learning and (un)learning by listening to each others stories!

community is an essential support system

Communities offer a crucial support system that can address various practical needs of individuals. From childcare and eldercare to financial assistance and resource sharing, communities pool their resources and expertise to ensure the well-being of their members. This collaborative approach to problem-solving, resource-sharing, and support helps individuals and families overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, and thrive in their personal and professional endeavors.

communities inspire collective action

Communities have the power to bring about meaningful change at both the local, regional, national, and global levels. By mobilizing collective action, communities can advocate for causes, raise awareness, and together take actions that address social, economic, and environmental issues. Together, community members can amplify their voices and influence policy and decision-making processes! This collective activism has the potential to drive positive change and create a better world for all.
In conclusion, the importance of community cannot be overstated. In a society dominated by values of individualism, productivity, and digitalization, cultivating and nourishing strong communities is not only crucial, but also an act of resistance.

Kaitlin Kindman, is a co-founder of Kindman & Co., is disabled, an activist, and a feminist. Her purpose is to help her clients come to believe that they are not alone, they belong, AND they inspire—they have the power to bring about change. She works with her clients to feel more connected, so that they take actions that improve their relationships and the world.

Kaitlin is deeply committed to providing socially just and anti-oppressive therapy. She really loves working with couples to improve their relationships and deepen intimacy, with other therapists and healers, as well as entrepreneurs and other business owners. Kaitlin finds true enjoyment in cuddling with animals, a just-right temperature cup of tea, feeling the sun on her face, and dancing in supermarket aisles.

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THERAPY SERVICES AT KINDMAN & CO.

We are here for your diverse counseling needs. Our team of therapists provides lgbtqia+ affirmative therapy, couples therapy & premarital counseling, grief & loss counseling, group therapy, and more. We have specialists in trauma, women's issues, depression & anxiety, substance use, mindfulness & embodiment, and support for creatives. For therapists and practice owners, we also provide consultation and supervision services! We look forward to welcoming you for therapy in Highland Park and online.