The Second Distraction of Community
A read time of 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Community costs. A lot actually.
Time, energy, friction. Loyalty above all. Elements we strangle in this era of “doing what you want, when you want”. A dream we’re sold that makes flaccid autonomy, making it impossible to grow much of anything. Much less community.
Why it matters: Community takes root when the same people show up, often enough to bypass small talk and get to our issues, passions too. That’s when you notice someone who needs to be seen, and offer them presence without them having to ask.
Being optional on community dries up its nutrients. Our shared understanding goes barren, the hosts burn out. So we go back to scrolling. Replacing connection with stimulation, then questioning this loneliness we quietly made for ourselves.
Sacrifice is the missing element.
A choice to get involved, even when we don’t feeeeel like it. It’s an investment that matters. So I’d like to go deeper with solutions:
Find / support / create a weekly ritual. Workouts, reading, dining, whatever. Same place, same time, regardless of who shows up. A quote that rings true, “If you want to start running, don’t wait for people, just do it. In time, the people will find you.”
Support the host(s). Offering a hand, supporting their events, and rotating hosting if it’s more informal. At the heart of community is mutual contribution, rather than expectant consumption. We should all have pride in our ability to do something useful.
It’s always that damn phone. When you’re with people, accept the challenge to put phones away. It’s hard, but we’re capable. These mushes of copper and titanium have existed for a couple decades. Human presence is way older, way stronger.
The virtuous cycle of sacrifice: Show up, contribute, repeat.