On Creating a Community of Co-Conspirators - Perhaps You Are One of Them -

On Reverb13 from Kat McNally, we were asked to walk around in this writing exercise: What community means to me in 2014. Seeing as I love community building and creation, this was just the right exploration for me this morning. There was an additional question about where the alchemy may be. I think I wove that into my response without really even considering it.

I am seeking Co-Conspirators in making this world a better place through creativity, passion, purpose and ever rising consciousness.

These are the people who live within my community of 2014.

I have realized in the last week or so what I don’t want my community to be.

I want my community to be filled with people who are true to themselves and to the world in general, who savor and appreciate just being together in that wonderful agenda-less space where we drained, multi-hat-wearing folks may find quiet amidst all the noisyness.

I don’t want my community to be filled with people who worship at the temple busy,

I want my community to love all those who are weary, downcast and don’t fit in anyplace. When I say “love” in the practical sense I should say have awareness and greet people, listen to what they say – and if silent, smile – and ask the simplest question – but not the most often asked question. “How are you?” and “I am fine” doesn’t count.

I don’t want my community to be filled with people who are so unaware (or simply choose not to) notice other human beings, fellow travelers, who may not have been as blessed as them.

I want my community to include people who help those who are not institutionalized, like the homeless who won’t go to homeless shelters and that sort of thing. I appreciate people who help the institutions like the shelters and all, but I also firmly believe in the power of one-on-one friendships. That is, to me, what makes a difference. I want a community like that.

Where might the alchemy be?

Any change from ordinary to gold (or any sort of transformation from one so-so to extra-ordinary) begins in the minds and hearts of individuals. The change within any community comes from those who participate within it and collaborate to make it actually become a community rather than just a group of people looking out for their own self interests.

I think I built the alchemy right into my earlier responses.

And now I think I know why I’ve been grouchy lately. I can see what I want and what I don’t want. I’ll keep tossing this about to see what else pops up.

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Check out the prompt today for the specific wording and ways to connect by visiting KatMcNally.com.

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Julie Jordan Scott is a writer, performance poet, Mommy and mixed-media artist. Her word-love themed art will be for sale at a First Friday soon, when it is warmer than it was in December!, in Downtown Bakersfield. Check out the links below to follow her on a bunch of different social media channels, especially if you find the idea of a Word-Love Party bus particularly enticing.

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