Peter Block on the fragmented community, “The essential challenge is to transform the isolation and self-interest within our communities into connectedness and caring for the whole. The key is to identify how this transformation occurs.
“We should begin by shifting our attention from the challenges within the community to the possibilities within the community. We should also acknowledge that our wisdom about individual transformation is not enough when it comes to community transformation. So, one purpose is to bring together our knowledge about the nature of collective transformation. We have to accept the importance of social capital within the community.”
The development of technology is unrelenting and so is competition – all competition. This has and does create isolation within communities. The “small world” syndrome most certainly does not bring us closer as a people. People’s natural need to belong, is being destroyed.
Do you speak to your colleague in the next office, or do you email or WhatsApp them? Well, I rest my case.
We are interdependent – we need to provide hospitality and generosity in the broad sense of the word without expecting a return on investment. The universe does and will reward the aforementioned with grace.
“To have, rest on giving, not on getting.”
So, communities, once they have identified their challenges, need to shift their thinking to a point where they consciously decide to trade these challenges for the possibilities. The social capital which Block refers to is our acting on and acknowledgement of our interdependence. It is our expression of ubuntu – I am because you are.
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How does one create change within the community? We involve and we get involved. In small groups everyone’s voice is heard. We need to learn to listen so as to understand – not to, in the first instance, respond.
Our constant need to respond – to tell how – to instruct – to demand, is driven by the ego. We have become so used to this, we don’t realise that we are in fact destroying the voice of all and everyone in the community.
We miss all those many miracles which are presented to us because our own importance or position has become our single most important point of focus.
To develop community and communities, we need to shift our focus to an awareness of the gifts that everyone within the community can offer. We need to be mindful and willing to listen to everyone’s story – everyone’s perspective – everyone’s understanding and contribution. We need not, and will not always agree on everything, but by attentive listening and caring, we create belonging – ubuntu – community.
When community is created, individuals find their own power. There is no need for so called professionals or government to rescue us/them from ourselves or others because we can do this for ourselves. History has and will continue to prove, that where community is established, there is abundance for all.
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I conclude with once again, extending the invitation, as per my first column in Lowvelder dated February 22 (under blogs on the website) that you share your story with us – the readers – the world.
Email me at matthys@lowvelder.co.za. Be an agent for change – share your voice.
