The Power of Community: Essential For Joy and Manifestation

“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” - Brene Brown

“Joy is not in things; it is in us.” – Richard Wagner

Hey there, fabulous souls! 🌟 Ever felt like you’re on a solo mission to find joy and manifest your dreams? Well, guess what? You’re not alone! Community is your secret weapon. We’re social creatures, meant to connect, share, and grow together. Imagine living on your own planet—sounds lonely, right? Community isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of our well-being and success. In fact when I created The Joy and Manifestation Club one of the great purposes was to create a community of joy that was safe for anyone.

Why Community Matters

A Sense of Belonging

Let’s get real—feeling like you belong is everything. When you’re part of a community, you get that warm, fuzzy feeling of security and acceptance. It’s like a big, cozy hug for your soul. This sense of belonging is a game-changer for your mental health, making you feel valued and understood. Bye-bye, loneliness! Community doesn’t have to mean your town or social group; it can literally be those with whom you have the closest connections. The ones that uplift and support you. But as you will continue to read, community is everywhere in various forms and how we choose to interact with it is up to us. How we experience joy in community is our responsibility.

Emotional Support

Life’s a rollercoaster, and we all need a support squad. Whether you need a shoulder to cry on, someone to share your wins with, or advice during tough times, your community’s got your back. This emotional support helps you bounce back stronger from life’s ups and downs. It is part of the essence of our humanity to find that support and sadly so many are missing it. This is call to you whether you have a community, to strengthen and feed it and if you don’t make every effort to find one. You will never regret it.

Shared Values and Identity

Being in a community means finding your tribe—people who get you. Sharing similar values and beliefs creates a sense of unity and purpose. It helps you understand your place in the world and reinforces your personal goals and values. It’s like finding your own little corner of the universe.

The Role of Community in Joy and Manifestation

Joy Through Connection

Joy is contagious, and it’s even better when shared. Think about the last time something amazing happened—wasn’t it more special when you shared it with someone? Community amplifies these joyful moments, making them more profound and memorable. Just the ability to share makes us feel less alone.

Manifestation Through Collective Energy

Manifestation is all about turning your dreams into reality with focused intention and action. And guess what? Community supercharges this process. The positive energy and support from others can boost your confidence and motivation, making it easier to achieve your goals. As Abraham Hicks often says, “What you focus on expands,” and a community’s shared energy can elevate your focus. We can literally manifest for and with each other. How exciting is that?

Choosing Your Community

Intentional Selection

We have the power to choose our communities. Surrounding ourselves with positive, supportive people can significantly impact our journey to joy and manifestation. Seek out communities that align with your values and goals. These could be spiritual groups, professional networks, or social clubs that resonate with your aspirations. Sometimes this will require you to step out of your comfort zone, particularly if you have introverted tendencies. It will be worth your while. I know it has been for myself and my friends and my close knit community.

Managing Uncontrollable Relationships

While we can choose many of our communities, there are some relationships we have less control over, such as family or colleagues. Even in these situations, we can choose our reactions and behaviors. By maintaining a positive attitude and setting healthy boundaries, we can cultivate joy and harmony within these relationships.

Practical Tips for Cultivating Community

• Join Groups and Clubs: Look for groups or clubs that align with your interests and values. Whether it’s a book club, a fitness group, or a spiritual community, joining these groups can help you connect with like-minded individuals.
• Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community while also building connections. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and you get to meet people who are passionate about similar causes.
• Attend Events: Participate in community events, workshops, and seminars. These gatherings provide opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others.
• Online Communities: In today’s digital age, online communities can be just as impactful as physical ones. Join forums, social media groups, and online courses to connect with people from around the world who share your interests.

The Science Behind Community and Well-being

The need for connection and community is prima, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food: - Dean Ornish M.D.

Psychological Benefits

Hey, science lovers! 📚 Did you know that being part of a community can seriously boost your mental health? Yep, research shows it reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by giving you that sweet emotional support and sense of belonging. Plus, communities encourage healthier lifestyles, making you happier and more fulfilled. Who knew hanging out with your tribe could be so good for you?

1. Social Connection and Longevity: A landmark study found that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure. Conversely, strong social connections can lead to a 50% increased chance of longevity1.

Physical Health Benefits

And it’s not just your mind that benefits—your body does too! Studies have found that people who are part of strong communities tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of obesity. They’re more likely to engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. So, being part of a community is like a wellness boost for your entire being!

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” — Coretta Scott King

Personal Stories: The Impact of Community

My Journey to Joy

Let me share a personal story about how community has impacted my journey to joy and manifestation. There was a time when I felt incredibly isolated and disconnected. I was struggling to find my place in the world and felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges. It was during this period that I made a conscious choice to seek out like-minded individuals who had my back. I went out there and started looking for my tribe.

The sense of belonging I felt in that group was transformative. I met people who shared my values and aspirations, and their support and encouragement helped me navigate my struggles. Now, these individuals are my core people—the ones I can turn to. It’s not about the size of the community but the ability to make you feel whole and one within it. I have that, and it’s been a game-changer.

The collective energy of my people expanded  my own efforts to manifest joy and abundance in my life. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of community and inspired me to create the Joy and Manifestation Club.

The Power of Positive Influence

Surround Yourself with Positivity

The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our mindset and behavior. Positive, supportive individuals can inspire us to be our best selves and help us stay focused on our goals. Conversely, negative influences can drain our energy and hinder our progress. So, choose your circle wisely!

Be a Positive Influence

Just as we benefit from positive influences, we can also be a source of positivity for others. By offering support, encouragement, and kindness, we can uplift those around us and contribute to a more joyful and harmonious community.

Building a Joyful Community

Create a Safe Space

A joyful community is one where members feel safe and accepted. Encourage open communication, respect, and inclusivity. Create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment. Reflect that in how you behave also. Remember, like attracts like.

Foster Connection

Encourage members to connect with one another on a deeper level. Organize activities and events that promote bonding and collaboration. Whether it’s a group meditation session, a book discussion, or a volunteer project, these activities can help strengthen the sense of community. Even if it’s just 3 friends that are your community you can do these things together. The world is so diverse, create community that suits you.

Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate the achievements and milestones of community members. Recognize their efforts and successes, no matter how small. This not only boosts individual morale but also fosters a sense of collective pride and motivation.

Embracing Resilience

Resilience Through Shared Experiences

Communities provide a platform for sharing experiences, both good and bad. This shared experience fosters resilience, as members learn from each other’s struggles and triumphs. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our journey and that together, we can overcome anything. In fact, together we can teach each other to use these moments to see the contrast of what we really desire and go for it with full gusto.

A Poem by Tad Hargrave

To add a touch of poetic inspiration, here’s a beautiful poem by Tad Hargrave that captures the essence of community and connection:

How Do You Create Community?

How do you create community?

I don’t know.

A hundred ways.

A thousand ways.

But,

how do you kill community?

I can tell you one thing

sure to do the job.

Be self-sufficient.

Always have enough.

Always have it together.

Always be a giver.

Always have all the tools you need.

Never need to borrow a sewing needle.

Never need a cup of sugar.

Never tell anyone you're breaking down.

Never need anyone.

Your pride,

your insistence on competency,

your unwillingness to be a burden,

on us

when it is the proper time for you to collapse

may be the end of us all.

Knowing what time it truly is,

or knowing how to know the time at all,

you,

needing our help,

being unable to continue without it,

you,

not knowing

how to do everything,

creates the occasion

for the village to reconstitute itself

and know itself again.   - Tad Hargrave

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Community

Community is not just a nice-to-have; it is essential for our journey to joy and manifestation. By intentionally choosing our communities and managing our reactions within uncontrollable relationships, we can create a supportive environment that nurtures our growth and happiness. Remember, while others contribute to our lives, we are the ultimate creators of our joy. So, start choosing your community wisely and watch how it transforms your life.

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” — Helen Keller

Call to Action

Ready to join a community that supports your growth, joy, and manifestation journey? The Joy and Manifestation Club is more than just a group

And to end we are going to leave you with David Whyte’s poem to reflect on. See how it makes you feel. Also, take some time this week to journal about what you want in your communities. How you want to be reflected there. Are the communities you are in still a reflection and uplifter of you? It’s important to start asking these questions because as we grow if our community doesn’t grow with us we may need to add more or change. Your joy is yours. Your joy is amplified by your community. 

Poem By David Whyte

Everything is Waiting for You

Your great mistake is to act the drama
as if you were alone. As if life
were a progressive and cunning crime
with no witness to the tiny hidden
transgressions. To feel abandoned is to deny
the intimacy of your surroundings. Surely,
even you, at times, have felt the grand array;
the swelling presence, and the chorus, crowding
out your solo voice You must note
the way the soap dish enables you,
or the window latch grants you freedom.
Alertness is the hidden discipline of familiarity.
The stairs are your mentor of things
to come, the doors have always been there
to frighten you and invite you,
and the tiny speaker in the phone
is your dream-ladder to divinity.

Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into
the conversation. The kettle is singing
even as it pours you a drink, the cooking pots
have left their arrogant aloofness and
seen the good in you at last. All the birds
and creatures of the world are unutterably
themselves. Everything is waiting for you.

  — David Whyte

Remember, you are always welcome in our community. You are magnificent and You’ve Got This.  - Toni