“We don't heal in isolation, but in community.” - S. Kelley Harrell

Self-care is sometimes a trauma response to the lack of community care. The journey to healing and wholeness is not a solitary pilgrimage; it's a communal endeavor. When we can be seen in our deepest truths, be witnessed even in our regrets and shame, and be received with compassion and loving regard we are empowered to direct love and compassion inward as well, and forgive ourselves for the "could haves," the "should haves," and the very human responses to the trials of life.

In an era of heightened individualism, the power of community often gets sidelined. The importance of genuine, face-to-face connections in our local communities cannot be overstated. We're talking real, in-the-flesh socializing, not just another Instagram follower. Here are some thoughtful avenues to explore when seeking conscious, like-minded individuals to share your time and passions.

Below, I share ideas on how you might tap into your own local community followed by some insight into the incredible community I'm part of in Caribbean Costa Rica.

Find what interests you below and just type your local area or region plus the keywords mentioned in each section into a search engine. And just like that, the possibilities will unfold!

Tapping into Activity-based Communities

Meetup.com and Eventbrite: Your digital social concierges. Just input your interests, and these platforms will churn out events that fit your profile. Keywords: Local meetups, event discovery, social gatherings, hobby groups

Finding Faith and Spiritual Kinship—And the Spaces in Between

Religious Gatherings: Traditional religious settings offer a well-established form of community and spiritual nourishment. Keywords: Church socials, Bible study, Quran classes, Shabbat dinners

Universal Unitarians: A sanctuary for spiritual exploration. Keywords: Universal Unitarian, liberal faith, spiritual exploration, open-minded

Humanist Meetups: Perfect for the philosophically inclined who focus on human-centric ethics. Keywords: Humanism, Humanist gatherings, secular meetups, ethical societies, rationalist discussions

Meditation Centers: A haven for those seeking inner peace and mindfulness. Keywords: Mindfulness groups, Meditation Center, Zen sittings, Vipassana retreats, inner peace

The Veteran Connection

Team Red, White & Blue: Fostering unique community-building activities for veterans. https://teamrwb.org/

Team Rubicon is an awesome international NGO that is worth checking out! https://teamrubiconusa.org/

Local Chapters of national veteran organizations: Check out your local chapter of the American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or American Veterans (AMVETS). Or search around to see if you have a uniquely local organization! Keywords: Veteran communities, veteran networking, service projects

Unveiling Niche Communities

Makerspaces: Ideal for the hands-on, DIY aficionado. Keywords: Makerspaces, DIY communities, creative workshops, invention hubs

Food Co-ops and Farmers Markets: For those keen on organic and locally sourced goodies. Keywords: Food co-ops, farmers markets, organic food, sustainable living

Environmental Activism: Get involved with fellow eco-warriors to make a global impact. Keywords: Environmental groups, conservation projects, sustainability meetups, eco-warriors

A Taste of Paradise in Caribbean Costa Rica

Let me also offer you a sneak peek of life in my own corner of the world. Imagine being welcomed into a circle of local healers, who are not just experts in their fields but are also friends and neighbors. From KAP with Jameelah (who is also to yoga with Kirby, and from cacao ceremonies led by dear friends India & Rosa from the local indigenous Bri Bri tribe to guided forest therapy with Monica, each offers a distinct path to healing that speaks to the soul. Here, conscious community events are as plentiful as the stunning natural scenery. Sound baths, ecstatic dances, authentic relating workshops, and more -- there's a little something for every soul. The fire-spinning gatherings every Saturday on the beach are a spectacle you don't want to miss. And speaking of nature, imagine hiking in Manzanillo-Gandoca or Cahuita National Park, or exploring miles of pristine beaches where no manmade structures dare interrupt your view of the horizon. Keywords: Puerto Viejo events, Punta Uva community, sound baths, ecstatic dances, Costa Rica conscious community

To Wrap It Up

Community is not just a state of being; it's an action that requires your heartfelt engagement. Whether you're seeking a sanctuary like the one in Caribbean Costa Rica or hoping to build your own tribe locally, the first thing is to do is simply take that first step out of your comfort zone and reach out! The only question is: Are you ready to find your village?

Your Invitation to Transformation

The journey of finding community and seeking healing doesn't have to be a distant dream—it can be your immediate reality. As someone who's experienced the transformative power of community firsthand, I invite you to take this journey a step further.

Join us for our December Women's Retreat and experience the rejuvenating power of community and shared wisdom. This retreat is curated specifically for women veterans who are ready to nourish themselves and step into their next level of service as part of an aligned, purpose-driven life. Or if you're looking to plan ahead, sign up for updates and be the first to hear about our 2024 Veterans Retreats and Coaching Programs; we will have programs for both men and women. And if you're moved to support this life-altering work, you can contribute towards veteran scholarships through Amistar Foundation.

No matter where you find yourself on this winding path of life, know that a community awaits to hold you, nourish you, and lift you higher. I look forward to welcoming you into our village of healing.