Finding Purpose in Community

Finding Purpose in Community | Maui Vision Magazine - Feb-Mar '10

Our country has undergone dramatic changes in the last year. With millions of jobs and homes lost and more changes to come we are undergoing a fundamental restructuring of life as we know it. Our values are shifting and we are being coaxed to evolve from that of a somewhat complacent, global, consumer culture to one that embraces local community efforts, creative solutions and heartfelt expression.

Many of my clients and friends, myself included, feel as though we are standing on the edge of enormous change. Collectively, there seems to be a growing dissatisfaction with careers, activities or relationships that feed the status quo. This is accompanied by an unshakable longing to create deeply satisfying roles in the world. The questions I hear most are, "What is my place here? What role will be most meaningful for me in the new year?"  Some know what they long to contribute but lack the means, confidence or know-how to achieve it. Some lack the time, energy or motivation to make changes. Some question whether they have a role to play at all. 2009 was a challenge for most of us. However, the days of the deepest discontent and searching always have the potential to be followed by rock-your-world personal growth and healthy community reorganization. In other words, innovation arises from chaos and defeat. How are you compelled to contribute to the change?

Each one of us has a unique and powerful gift to bring during these times of change. Freeing ourselves from anything stale or stagnant in our lives will create room for us to grow into the world in a fresh new way. Identifying our hearts' deepest longing, intending, visualizing, and feeling it's fruition as a single pointed focus has the potential not only to bring each one of us to heights of fulfillment, it can transform our collective experience. No oppressive force, be it your own mind, your government, or the economy has more power than the passion within your own heart. Imagine impassioned self-expression emerging from deep within each person. Pooling all of our dreams into action will create a powerful force.

Below are some inspired models that are living examples of conscious community in action:

Waldorf Schools (waldorfmaui.org): I have had the pleasure of experiencing this community through my son's enrollment in Haleakala Waldorf, Maui. The teaching approach, based on the philosophy of Rudolph Steiner, honors each child through the sensitivity to unique developmental needs and the importance of play in learning. Each classroom at The Haleakala Waldorf School imbues the warmth of a close family while skillfully calling out the innate brilliance of each child.

Upcountry Traditional Skills Center and Farm (traditionalskills.org): Moving toward actualizing a wholesome vision for a sustainable, organic community center, this working farm will be offering tours and classes in crafts, agricultural and homesteading skills, and providing organic produce.

Organic Consumers Association (organicconsumers): This organization provides ways to take action toward change, from local universal alternatives for health care coverage, to local currencies and community banks, to locally grown organic food produced for all income levels.

Heifer International (www.heifer.org): "Bringing an End to World Hunger Through Unimaginable Blessings".