While the spirit of neighborliness was important on the frontier because neighbors were so few, it is even more important now because our neighbors are so many. ~Lady Bird Johnson
I’ve always been a huge believer in the value of community and friendships. However, I haven’t historically done much beyond believe in the necessity of community. Well, we all know that “faith without works is dead.” Just because I had faith and belief in community did not mean that community was going to crop up around me.
In recent months, I’ve been trying to get myself out of my comfort zone and work on growing that community. Back in April, I hosted my first simplicity circle. I started by simply inviting some women to my home for a potluck to discuss the idea of a simplicity circle. We’ve been meeting once a month since and I must say that I look forward to these meetings so very much. We rotate houses, enjoy potlucks, share lots of conversations, and learn tons.
This past Saturday was no different. Despite having tons to do (when isn’t there tons to do?), I was looking forward to getting together with “the girls,” as Jeff fondly calls them. The thing that I find so great about visiting everyone’s home is that I feel at home and enveloped in such warmth at each home. Each home is very different as is each woman and family of course, however; there are those undercurrents of similarity that make it all work. There’s the belief in home and family as a priority that is so apparent in the soul of each home and in each woman that just makes my heart sing. It turns out that putting a little work behind my faith is making things happen and I’m feeling better for it.
I tell you all this not to brag, but rather to encourage. If you believe in community and are seeking it, please put some action behind that belief. Start small and see it where leads. I know what stopped me in the past was that I was thinking too big, and those thoughts paralyzed me to some degree. It turns out small just might be the way to go.
Do you belong to some kind of intentional community / simplicity circle? If so, do you have advice for those who are seeking it? If you are seeking community, how can we help you find it?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this. I know I often get overwhelmed with thinking “it has to be big” to start something.
I wonder why we do that? I have to remind myself, often that big is generally overwhelming…
I have two small intentional communities that do not overlap. However, I’ve been thinking I’d enjoy being part of a very small simplicity circle this year–I’m not sure my life is ‘simple enough’ to add another activity.
Oh Willow, I think you’d be the most wonderful addition to any group though I understand the resistance to adding something else to your life, too.
Love the quote in your picture – one I must remember!! I am unfamiliar with the term “simplicity circle”. Community is more familiar. and scary.
Isn’t that quote the best? I took a picture of it simply to remember it – I see me using it often in the future.
Hi Kathie, I enjoyed your post. I know and participate with a group called Lafayette Morehouset that is an excellent resource for people looking to create or enhance intentional communities. They’ve been together for over 40 years!
Thank you so much for that link – I’m enjoying checking it out. What a wonderful community!
I’m curious what sort of things you talk about at your circle? Intrigued by the idea!
We have loose topics. This month we were at Patti’s house and she’s a potter, so she taught us how to throw pottery and make bowls. During the meal, we just chat about everything. Recently, one gal had a baby so that was obviously the focus of a different month. We try to support each other in whatever we’re facing and we seek each other out for answers to questions about gardening, food preservation, etc.